By far the scariest part of living in the Victorian era was not the poor food, unsanitary conditions, or poverty, as some may have you believe. The scariest part surely must have been the bustles, crinolines, stays and corsets.

During the time when Amy and Ben were touring London, 1856, the crinoline was the method of choice for holding out the skirts, and achieving “high fashion.” Luckily, as a maid, Amy never had to wear one. Can you imagine, though? How would a young lady maneuver through a crowded room? How would she fit through doorways? How would she…um…use the outhouse? It boggles the mind.

Only a few years later, 1860 and beyond, the crinoline moved out of fashion, and the much more practical bustle took its place. What a relief, or was it? Corsets were still popular, and the wasp-waisted women of the time were the pinnacle of beauty. Ouch.

Will women (and men) continue to suffer to “improve” their looks? Are we still doing so today? Maybe we could all run around in sweatpants and sweatshirts instead. Everyone would at least be comfortable, and we’d all look pretty much the same.

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” Prov 31:30.

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