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Delve into the historical norms and rituals of social calls, from card-and-call systems to proper attire and timing. Uncover the intricate codes and rules governing 19th-century social interactions and the evolution of calling cards. Explore the significance of social etiquette in maintaining relationships and social status. Learn from renowned sources and books detailing the art of calling that shaped past societies.
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Rules for social calls Do I text you or should I just pop by? By Matiiiiiiio & Quentin
What is a call? • A call is a short visit paid to someone • Card-and-call system created for several reasons: • Sorting who could come to your house • No feeling of unease in conversations • Informing people • It also enabled to get into the elite circles
How to call on someone? • First, you leave a card to a servant • Then, you wait for an answer • The servant comes back with another card • If the card says “Not at home” = refusal • Otherwise you can come in
Rules of calls • Very precise schedule: • Only during the week ≠ on Sunday • Between 3-6pm: • 3-4 = Ceremonial Call • 4-5 = Semi-ceremonial Call • 5-6 = Intimate Call • A call last between 20 and 30 minutes • If your calls are not returned = no will to maintain the relationship
Other codes • If you came in person to deliver the card = turn down one of the card’s corners • Your card had then much more weight A card
Other codes • When you arrived in town, you would start calling on people as soon as possible • A newcomer waited for the neighbors to leave cards. • She/He would then call on them. • Sometimes, leaving a card could replace calling on someone.
Other codes • A gentleman would leave two cards: to the mistress and to the head of the family • If someone else calls during your call, you are to leave • You should be underdressed rather than overdressed • A young woman should never call alone
Other codes • They were different types of calls, for instance: • Ceremony • Friendship • Congratulations • Condolence • (Also to bid farewell) • And many other rules: • Send a card 1 week after a death • Send a card at most 10 days after a ball etc…
Cards designs • Men and Women had different cards. • Women’s were bigger (man carried it in pockets) • Only the men’s cards could mention an address • Women’s names never without title Mrs. or Miss • Cards evolved during the 19th Century: • Bigger in the Victorian period than during the Regency • More colorful as time went by
A way to show off • In the entry hall, cards were put in a silver salver. • Several goals: • Remembering whom to return calls to • Showing the ranks of your acquaintances
Fortunately… There were books • Several books explained the social manners to be respected, and the calling rules. • For example, MrsBeeton’s Book of Household Management (1861)
The end! • Sources: • Janeausten.co.uk • Janeaustensworld.wordpress.com • Historyandotherthoughts.blogspot.fr • Jastoryandhistory.blogspot.fr • Edwardianpromenade.com