What Were Wax Seals Made Of? Unveiling the Secrets of Historical Sealing
The enchanting allure of a wax seal often sparks curiosity about its composition. These small, yet impactful, elements have graced documents and correspondence for centuries, carrying with them a weight of history and tradition. In essence, wax seals are made from a blend of materials designed to melt smoothly, take a crisp impression, and then harden into a durable seal. The specific ingredients and their proportions, however, have varied over time and across cultures.
Historically, beeswax formed the primary base of most wax seals. This natural material is pliable, melts readily, and hardens securely, making it ideal for this purpose. To modify its properties, beeswax was often combined with other components. Plant resins, particularly rosin from coniferous trees, were added to improve the hardness and durability of the seal. This combination helped prevent the wax from being too brittle and shattering upon impact. Later, shellac, a resin secreted by the lac insect, became another common additive to further enhance the hardening properties of the wax when cooled.
Finally, no wax seal is complete without colouring pigments. These finely ground powders, often derived from minerals or natural sources, were used to tint the wax and add a layer of meaning. Vermilion, a mercury sulfide mineral, was a popular choice for creating vibrant red seals. Over time, other pigments were adopted to create a wide array of colours, each carrying its own unique symbolism.
The Evolution of Sealing Wax Composition
The composition of wax seals wasn’t static, but rather evolved as technology and materials became available:
Medieval Times
In the medieval era, the standard recipe for sealing wax consisted primarily of beeswax, Venice turpentine, and vermilion for color. The Venice turpentine, a type of resin, helped to bind the beeswax and pigment, creating a smooth, consistent mixture. This combination was particularly well-suited for creating durable seals on important documents, letters, and packages.
Post Medieval Period
As global trade increased, new materials became available. One key change was the gradual shift from beeswax to lac, a resin from Indonesia. Lac offered different qualities to sealing wax and supplanted beeswax as a major ingredient. Other components continued to be used, and the types of pigments grew, allowing for diverse colours. The use of plant rosins and shellac continued to ensure the wax hardened properly.
Modern Sealing Wax
Today, sealing wax often uses a blend of synthetic waxes, resins, and colourants. These modern formulations often aim to replicate the traditional qualities of sealing wax, while also providing greater consistency and ease of use. Some modern wax blends contain polymer or microcrystalline waxes in order to provide better flexbility and reduce breakages. These are designed to be both functional and visually appealing for modern applications such as crafting, scrapbooking and decorating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wax Seals
Here are some of the most common questions about wax seals, their history, and their current uses:
What were medieval wax seals made of?
Medieval wax seals were predominantly made from a mixture of beeswax, Venice turpentine, and coloring matter (usually vermilion). This resulted in a malleable substance that could take a clear impression and harden sufficiently.
What are wax seals made of now?
Modern wax seals are often made using a blend of synthetic waxes, resins, and colour pigments. These blends aim to replicate traditional wax qualities while ensuring consistency and durability.
Why did we stop using wax seals for regular mail?
The widespread use of wax seals declined due to the advent of pre-gummed envelopes in the mid-nineteenth century. Wax sealing became impractical and costly compared to the efficiency of machine-produced sealed envelopes.
When did they stop using wax seals?
Wax seals fell out of common use by the mid-to-late 19th century, coinciding with the rise of pre-gummed envelopes.
Does anyone still use wax seals today?
Yes, wax seals are enjoying a resurgence and are used for decorative purposes, branding, special occasions like wedding invitations, and embellishments on product packaging.
What does a black wax seal mean?
Black wax seals often symbolize formality, mystery, authority, or mourning, depending on the context. They can be used for important contracts or to convey a sense of seriousness.
What does a purple wax seal mean?
Purple wax seals, or violet seals, were historically appropriate for expressing sympathy or indicating mourning.
Can you still use wax seals on mail?
Yes, but wax seals should not be placed over the intersections of envelope flaps where the postmark impressions are made. It’s often recommended to place the wax-sealed envelope inside a larger envelope for mailing.
Why are wax seals often red?
Traditionally, red wax seals were used for formal correspondence, military, governmental, or legal purposes, signaling the importance of a letter’s contents.
Did Romans use wax seals?
Romans used seals made from clay, not wax for personal documents and letters. The clay was molded around a string and stamped with an impression.
What were wax stamp seals made from in the 13th century?
Seals were usually made of beeswax, though the Pope used lead. The wax was slightly heated to become pliable, then pressed into a matrix to create a design.
Did Egyptians use wax seals?
Ancient Egyptians used clay or mud with their seals to make impressions, not wax.
What do wax seals symbolize?
Red wax seals often symbolize love, passion, and power. Gold wax seals represent wealth and elegance, and silver signals purity and modernity.
Does the post office charge more for wax seals?
Adding a wax seal may increase the weight, potentially requiring additional postage. Hand cancellation may also incur a fee. It’s often recommended to place sealed envelopes within a larger envelope.
What can you do with a wax seal stamp?
Wax seals can be used for product packaging, wedding stationery, corporate documents, letters, certificates, and personal correspondence, providing a beautiful and personalised touch.
Conclusion
From the simple blend of beeswax and vermilion of the medieval period to the complex synthetic formulations used today, the composition of wax seals has adapted to the needs of the time. While no longer a necessary component of everyday communication, wax seals retain their charm and value as a unique way of personalizing and elevating special occasions and documentation. Understanding the diverse materials that comprise these historical artifacts provides a deeper appreciation for their enduring legacy.