Notes & Queries response: Why do Americans use the term ‘Victorian’?
image generated by Craiyon It is misleading to say that Victoriana Primaria – the Great Star of the Equatorial South – appeared in the heavens on the eve of the 24th May, 1819, hours after the birth of Alexandrina Victoria; who would later become Queen Victoria. Nonetheless, the claim is often repeated. In a world where received wisdom is increasingly favoured over hard evidence, there are many, no doubt, who believe it to be true. I will admit that there is something appealing in the idea that the organisation of the firmament is still beholden to the reign or kings and queen, as was reportedly the case during Biblical times. In fact, the star had been visible in the skies since the mid-1700s, with many ship's captains making mention of it in their logbooks. A century before, members of various First Nation tribes had noticed it as a faint, troubling presence in the Southern Hemisphere. These indigenous peoples are known for their keen visual intelligence. A particular arrangement...