For centuries, wax seals have adorned letters and important documents, acting as both a practical tool for security and a beautiful symbol of personal expression. These seals, crafted by melting wax and stamping it with a unique design, have evolved from their roots in ancient governance and royalty to modern-day use in personal correspondence, weddings, and special events. But did you know that the color of the wax itself carries significant meaning?
At the Arizona Correspondence Society, we celebrate the history of wax seals and encourage members to explore their meanings—both in terms of symbols and the colors used to seal letters.
The History of Wax Seals
Wax seals date back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, where they were used to authenticate documents and prevent tampering. By the Middle Ages, they became a critical part of European nobility’s communication systems, where family crests and unique symbols were pressed into the wax to signify authority and authenticity. These seals were so significant that losing one could result in serious consequences, as it was essentially an individual’s or family’s signature.
Over time, wax seals transitioned from being strictly utilitarian to something more symbolic. Even after the rise of modern postal systems, the use of wax seals in personal letters became a way to show care and add a touch of personalization.
The Symbolism Behind Wax Seal Colors
In addition to the design pressed into the wax, the color of the wax has historically carried its own significance. Choosing a particular color for a wax seal was a thoughtful act, conveying additional meaning to the recipient. While today’s wax colors are often selected for aesthetic reasons, historically, each color had a deeper connotation:
- Red Wax: Red was one of the most commonly used colors in historic wax seals and was associated with power, importance, and passion. Red seals were often used by royalty, governments, and the church to authenticate official documents. In personal letters, red could symbolize love, strength, or intense emotion.
- Black Wax: Black wax was often used in times of mourning or for official state matters. It conveyed solemnity and seriousness, and in certain historical periods, it was reserved for letters of condolences or legal documents.
- Gold or Yellow Wax: Gold, a symbol of wealth and prestige, was used for letters of great importance. It was also associated with victory or accomplishment. Yellow, in some interpretations, could also signify jealousy or suspicion.
- Green Wax: Green was seen as a symbol of hope, renewal, and growth. In the medieval period, green was sometimes used to convey good news or celebrations. It also signified wealth and balance in some cases.
- Blue Wax: Blue was associated with loyalty, trust, and tranquility. A letter sealed with blue wax often represented peaceful intentions or faithfulness.
- White Wax: White wax conveyed purity, innocence, and sincerity. It was frequently used for wedding invitations or letters of friendship.
- Purple Wax: Purple, historically linked to royalty and spirituality, was a rare and luxurious color often reserved for the highest-ranking members of society. A letter sealed with purple wax signified dignity, honor, or spiritual depth.
The Modern Revival of Wax Seals
In today’s world, wax seals are enjoying a resurgence. They have become a popular way to add a personal and artistic touch to letters, invitations, and announcements. With modern wax seals, individuals have an array of symbols to choose from—whether it’s a classic monogram, floral designs, or animals—allowing for a deeper form of self-expression.
Contemporary wax colors have evolved with new formulations of wax, offering a wide variety of shades beyond the traditional palette. People today often choose wax colors that align with the themes of their events or their personal style, while others embrace the historical meanings behind certain hues to give their correspondence even more depth.
How to Use Wax Seals in Your Correspondence
Incorporating a wax seal into your letter writing is a simple way to make your correspondence more memorable. Here’s how to get started:
- Choose your wax color: Select a color that reflects the tone of your message or event. For example, use red for a passionate love letter or white for a letter of friendship.
- Melt the wax: Using either a wax stick or wax beads, melt your wax carefully over a flame or use a wax melting spoon.
- Press the seal: Once the wax is pooled on your envelope, press your seal stamp firmly into the wax, holding it for a few seconds.
- Let the wax cool: As the wax cools, it hardens and becomes the lasting signature of your letter.
Bringing Tradition to Your Letters
Whether you’re sending a heartfelt note to a friend or mailing invitations to a special event, using a wax seal adds a touch of history and elegance to your correspondence. And by incorporating specific wax colors into your seal, you can convey deeper meaning with every letter.
At the Arizona Correspondence Society, we encourage the use of wax seals as a way to elevate the art of letter writing. Embrace the history, symbolism, and creativity that come with wax sealing—your letters will leave a lasting impression on every recipient.
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