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.

Lasirakentaminen I – Ongelmat linnuille

Jelly Fish Christmas Card by Ernst Haekel ca. 1890 - Creepy christmas, Creepy vintage, Victorian christmas cards

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

Brunel Victorian (@BrunelVictorian) / X

Why Are There Dead Birds on Victorian Christmas Cards?

Freaky Christmas cards – Les vilaines curiosités

270 Nec spe, nec metu. ideas memento mori, cemetery art, cemetery statues

Head-scratching Victorian Christmas cards - Recollections Blog

Head-scratching Victorian Christmas cards - Recollections Blog

Lasirakentaminen I – Ongelmat linnuille

gennaio 2017 – Carnet de notes

Freaky Christmas cards – Les vilaines curiosités

Christmas Cards Archives - Hyperallergic

Victorian Birds in the Garden Print, Old Time Pink Roses, Bird in Flight, Wall Decor, Vintage Rose, 1905, Giclee Art, 12x18

Blending A Vintage Bird Illustration Into A Design - French Kiss Collections

12,800+ Victorian Bird Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock

Victorian Bird Motif Earrings

Past auction: VICTORIAN TAXIDERMIED BIRD SPECIMENS UNDER GLASS DOME late 19th century