Colin’s gifts and Lady Danbury’s cane: All the hidden meanings you missed in Bridgerton

Bridgerton has become the object of all its viewers’ desires since the first part of season three was released last month. Whilst the show isn’t know for its historical accuracy (see glittery dresses and false nails), it is packed with subtle meanings, easter eggs and tributes throughout the seasons. Not only is this fun, but it also leaves the ton (us loyal viewers) to dissect every set piece to find double meanings here and there. With the second part on its way, here are all the Bridgerton hidden meanings you may have missed on your 10th rewatch.

Colin’s gift to Violet

i’ve been thinking about this gift non stop, and my conclusion is:

time stopped for violet after ed died

having the son who most resembles him give her a clock also symbolizes time starting back up again for her

and this is the season she starts having romantic feelings again https://t.co/YyrCOdZyvf

— jesper ¹⁰⁵ (@swiftiemoth) May 28, 2024

You may be wondering why a watch would hold so much significance to Violet Bridgerton, but the secret meaning behind it cuts deeper than many viewers initially realise. Colin brought back some small tokens of affection for each of his family members, including a bow and arrow for Gregory and playing cards for Benedict, but the watch for Violet pays a small tribute to Edmund, her husband who passed away. A user on X noted that “time stopped for Violet after Ed died” and “Edmund wore a watch with him everywhere”, which makes me want to cry.

Cressida’s huge sleeves

Cressida’s character arc may have come as a shock to viewers, being originally painted as a classic “mean girl” archetype. However, her unlikely friendship with Eloise has offered a new insight into her character. We see her strict parents and colourless household, but we also see a new style emerge. Showrunner Jess Brownell told Vanity fair that costume designer John Glaser created gigantic sleeves to mirror that of “a caged bird” that would make her seem “incredibly vulnerable like a caged bird inside a mausoleum.”

Colin and Penelope’s Greek mythology references

The incredibly talented minds of the Bridgerton production team are put to use again through the traces of Eros and Psyche throughout the show. The story of the Greek myth follows Eros as Cupid, who is tasked with finding Psyche a husband. By accident, he shoots himself with an arrow and falls in love with Psyche himself! Sounds suspiciously similar to Penelope and Colin’s love story. And if that wasn’t enough, Psyche is depicted through art with butterfly wings, which Penelope is frequently seen sporting on her colourful dresses. Coincidence? I think not.

Colin’s subtle eye contact

https://www.tiktok.com/@bianca.hwb/video/7373663459243904302

A TikTok by user posted a clip of Colin in season three’s brothel scene, noting how he not only refuses to engage with the girls but can’t even look in their direction because of how besotted he is with Penelope. That’s romantic and all, but I’d take this one with a pinch of salt, seeing as he still went to the brothel in the first place.

Eloise’s huge cuffs

You may be wondering why one of the most outspoken characters in Bridgerton would choose to restrict her hands with cuffs in season three. Some theories include the breakdown of her friendship with writer Penelope, or her submission to societal standards. In an interview with Stephen Colbert, Claudia Jessie revealed that the actual meaning behind her fancy cuff is that she broke her wrist on set. She said: “It was a Friday morning, and I got there it was like 8am, we hadn’t even started filming. To celebrate everyone’s good mood, I did a high kick.” She said that her legs were “restricted immediately” due to the dress she was wearing, and she fell, landing on her wrist. Ouch!

Lady Danbury’s cane

While it would be safe to assume that Lady Danbury uses a cane due to her older age, fans agree that it simply isn’t the case. She is usually on the sidelines or circling the crowd at every ball, but at the end of season two, she takes to the floor with Anthony Bridgerton for a dance, handing her cane to someone. Some have speculated on Facebook that “In the books, she likes to thump it to make a point, to demand attention, and to injure the toes of people she doesn’t like or who cross her. I adore the book Lady Danbury. She is such a plotter.” What a way to command the room!

Eloise’s ‘geraniums’ dress

Any Bridgerton book fans will already know the significance of Eloise’s dress embroidered with geraniums. Eloise’s story tells the tale of her and Sir Phillip Crane who fall in love through exchanging letters, and her unassuming dress is an ode to this. A Reddit user noted that the Greek word “geranos” translates to “crane” in English, foreshadowing their future love story. However, fans have also wondered whether this theory will prove true, as Eloise has already met two potential love interests throughout the series, and is known for breaking the rules.

The touching message in Colin’s diary

What's he writing? pic.twitter.com/DEXSPVIg23

— Netflix (@netflix) May 30, 2024

This one might make you tear up. Since Netflix posted this dashing photo of Luke Thompson on X, fans looked down at the diary Colin was writing in and have tried their hand at translating it. One eagle eyed Instagram user suggested that Colin wrote about Penelope being “the smartest” and how she would love the places he visited in his travels. How adorable!

Part one of Bridgerton season three is available on Netflix now. For more like this explainer of Bridgerton hidden meanings and all the latest Netflix news, drops, quizzes and memes like The Holy Church of Netflix on Facebook. 

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Featured image via Netflix