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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Topic started by: Ann E on Sunday 03 December 06 14:29 GMT (UK)
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Can any one tell me the difference between the black arm band & the black diamond worn in when in mourning? .
Ann E
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I'd never heard of the black diamond, so Googled it with no success. Where have you seen or heard of it?
Intrigued
meles
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It may have something to do with the custom during the time of mourning for persons of rank, of setting up their Coats of Arms, in churches and over the principle entrances ot their houses, in a large black lozenge.
Stan
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I can remember my late mother wearing a black cloth diamond on her coat when her father died , I also remember seeing other people wearing black arm bands!,( I have a photo of an uncle wearing black arm band) I wanted to find if there was any difference between the two , ie if one was for close family & the other was for distance relations,
I have spent half the morning looking , couldn't’t find any thing on google.
thanks Stan & Miles
Ann E
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Thanks for that, Ann. Still not heard of it, but at least I know what to look for!
meles
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A lozenge, when used for coats of arms, denotes the arms of a widow, of a spinster, or a deceased person.
I can't say that I have seen anyone wear a black diamond on their clothes.
Nowadays of course, we see people wearing the black lapel ribbon. I suppose one might call it the evolution of mourning.
Nell
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Interestingly enough, although black arm bands are not widely seen these days, a number of sports teams (rugby, netball, hockey) turn out for internationals wearing black arm bands-usually to signify that one of their number (players or staff) have recently had a death in the family
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Ann:
I also recall the black diamond sewn onto the upper sleeve of mourners. These were in the immediate family, as far as I can recall. This was in County Down, Ireland. Was your mother Irish?
Pat
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I can remember having a black diamond sewn on my sleeve like my mother and sister when my grandparents died. I cannot remember how long for.
Frances :)
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Christchurch Lil, Pat , Frances,
Thank you for your replies, sorry for the delay in replying, I have been away.
I have just phoned the Funeral directors, about the arm bands, the man I spoke to didn’t know ! he said he would try to find out !
He has just phoned me back ,after speaking to an elderly Under taker ( in the business since 1920) saying there is no difference it was a matter of choice, So now I know .
Thanks . AnnE