Now Playing: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
I thought it would be fun to research the mirror and find out how it evolved in American society. I hope you enjoy the reading.
The dictionary defines a mirror as any glass or polished substance that forms images by reflection of rays of light.
The mirror has evolved from being an expensive, rare position until it has become what it is today, a common household item, found in almost every American home.
To own a mirror in the 18th and early 19th centuries in America was a sign of high society. To actually be able to afford such a luxury, as a mirror, was one thing, but then to actually have time to gaze into a mirror and prepare your appearance until it was perfect was a sure sign of wealth. At the turn of the century the mirror was referred to as a looking glass, and only the higher society could afford a mirror and have the time to gaze into the mirror.
As time continued the mirror became more common in American homes. The mirror’s common use began to sprout many myths. The most common mirror myth is if you break a mirror you will have seven years of bad luck. This actually came about because people came to believe that mirror actually reflected a person’s soul. If you were to break a mirror part of your soul would be captured and destroyed and would not be able to reunite with your body, of course this would be a very bad thing. The seven years came because the Romans believed that a person’s luck changed every seven years. Another myth regarding the mirror is that since vampires do not have a reflection that means they have no soul. Yes, the mirror has become rooted in American society.
Since the early 18th century the mirror has come along way and is not only common in American homes as a place to check your appearance but the mirror is often used as a decorative item. Some common decorative uses for the mirror are to hang it in smaller spaces to make it look larger by reflecting the room back on it’s self. The mirror is also used to reflect light back into rooms. The mirror has become a wall décor accessory to add texture and depth to wall arrangements. A mirror hung in a foyer adds charm to your home as you greet your guests. A mirror hung over a fireplace gives depth to the fire. You can even use a mirror to add romance to a candlelight dinner setting by placing candles on a mirror and have the flickering light bounce around the room.
The mirror is a wonderful, and indispensable accessory and has evolved with society.
