A State of Anticipation
MRS. P. writes:
When you mentioned the trousseau, I was reminded of the hope chest I received as a young girl around 1952 when I was twelve. The hope chest, or glory box as they were called in the UK and Australia, contained a young woman’s trousseau (special clothing and household items such as linens and quilts) that she was accumulating in preparation for marriage in the future and her own home. Although hope chests are still popular today, the concept of acquiring a trousseau made up of these items began to lose its appeal after 1950. Perhaps the need for a young woman to come to a marriage prepared to start a new home has been satisfied with bridal shower gifts and wedding gifts. (more…)

