Why Are There Dead Birds on Victorian Christmas Cards?

One of the more curious recurring images on 19th-century Christmas cards is the dead bird, which may symbolize mortality, or something more ritualistic.

The Island of Love

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Freaky Christmas cards – Les vilaines curiosités

A Victorian Christmas Card Of Two Birds Looking At A Poster Of A Bag Of Birds For Christmas By English School, Victorian Xmas Cards

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Christmas Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Hyperallergic

A Brief History of Creepy Victorian Christmas Cards

Freaky Christmas cards – Les vilaines curiosités

Victorian christmas cards – Artofit

83 2016 ideas edgar degas artwork, famous ballets, ballet painting