Condolences, the Bereaved and Cards

Persons vary extremely about this, and while some like to see friends, others do not wish their sorrow invaded. It is the privilege of those in mourning to receive or not, as they choose, although after a month one is supposed to be at home to all intimate friends.

Etiquette

Condolences on any bereavement are imperative from all persons who pretend to be polite. To ignore the sorrow through which a friend, even an acquaintance, maybe passing, is to intimate entire indifference.To formal acquaintances a visiting card alone is sufficient, and on hearing of a death in a family, a friend takes her card and that of her husband if she is married and incloses it in an envelope.

Should the person bereaved also be married, and it is not her husband who has died, the regular rule of cards for married persons obtains. That is, the married woman would send one of her own and two of her husband's, one of his being required for both the other man and his wife. If the bereavement is one which leaves a woman a widow, naturally only one card of each would be sent her.

If cards of condolence are going to a man and his wife the envelope should be addressed to both. Nothing is written on the cards, nor is a corner turned. The bit of paste board represents a call which is not made in person, as those in affliction would not be receiving visits.

Visiting Cards Sent After Death Announcement—

The cards should be sent as soon as announcement of the death as soon as announcement of the death is made. It is a very gracious act of courtesy to go within a month to call, but there should be no feeling of an noyance if the visitor is not received. Persons vary extremely about this, and while some like to see friends, others do not wish their sorrow invaded. It is the privilege of those in mourning to receive or not, as they choose, although after a month one is supposed to be at home to all intimate friends.— San Francisco Call, 1908

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