While a decade or so ago, you may have only seen monograms on personalized stationery and wedding invitations, today you can see monograms on everything from tote bags to flip-flops. Why did these three-letter emblems become so popular? If you’re interested in diving into the history of monograms, take a look at this guide.

Early Beginnings

Once monograms were a symbol of power reserved only for royalty and governments. They were stamped, etched, or imprinted on everything from buildings and coins to maps and paperwork. Roman coins from the sixth century B.C., for example, are stamped with rulers’ initials. In the late eighth and early ninth century, Charlemagne marked his conquests with his monogram.

The Victorian Era and After

During the Victorian Era (1837–1901), the monogram aligned with a growing attention to detail in craftsmanship. Those who hoped to climb the ranks of society used monograms on household objects to project an air of nobility. They would also seal correspondence with monograms stamped into hot wax. Correspondents, as a result, would know exactly who had sent a letter before opening it.

During the economic booms of the early 1900s and the 1920s, monograms remained in style. You might see them now on clothing and other personal accessories and adornments. They became super trendy during the conservative 1950s, as Americans used monograms to denote pride in family and domesticity.

Today

These days, monograms are once again beloved by lawyers, fashion designers, and sorority members, to name a few. Instead of signaling only power and dominance, today monograms are completely accessible and customizable. Whether you want to monogram your stationery, a throw pillow, or a bumper sticker, three-letter emblems are a popular way to express your individuality. Many people also use monograms to create personalized gifts and to celebrate special occasions. When you add your first, last, and middle initial to a notepad or laptop case, it instantly becomes one-of-a-kind.

 

Treat yourself to monogrammed stationery from Curio Press of St. Louis, MO. This locally owned and operated stationer offers over 100 custom designs. Turn to them for the perfect gift, whether it’s a formal stationery set or a magnetized notepad for grocery lists. To learn more about their beautiful, timeless stationery products, visit them online.