PORTLAND — The Victoria Mansion will offer themed tours on Victorian death practices just in time for Halloween on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16 and 17, at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Judged by today’s standards, Victorians celebrated death with a complex system of practices for the time leading up to and following a person’s passing. In a time before antibiotics, even a mild cold or slight fever often served as a death sentence. Unlike today, death was something that was dealt with at home and most people were far more comfortable with practices surrounding the passing of close relatives than we might be today.

The tour will take visitors back in time to learn about Victorian customs surrounding death, ranging from how to dress, how to eat and how best to entertain visitors while in mourning.

Following the tour, visitors will experience a one-act play, “A Vigil for Aunt Eleanor,” written just for this event. Lights will be dimmed to gaslight levels for the entirety of the evening, casting a particularly haunting glow over the Mansion’s original interiors.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for Victoria Mansion members and $15 for children 17 and younger. This event is not recommended for children younger than 12.

Those attending should book early by calling 207-772-4841, ext. 104.