The Art and Necessity of Licking Envelopes: A Historical Perspective and Contemporary Reflection
Mailing letters, a process now almost quaint in the age of instant digital communication, once held a central place in personal and professional interactions. When did postage stamps and envelopes become a clean and convenient ritual, and when did licking them fall out of fashion? This article explores the history and prevalence of envelope licking, its cultural significance, and how it has evolved over time.
Historical Methods of Sealing Envelopes and Stamps
When mailing letters was the regular norm, two primary methods were used to seal envelopes and affix stamps: licking and moistening with a finger. Licking the adhesive on the envelope flap and the back of the stamp was the most common method, as it was seen as effective and straightforward. Another approach was to moisten the adhesive with a finger, often using a small amount of water from a cup or the user's mouth to avoid the taste of the envelope or stamp.
Using tape was less common, often reserved for more formal or security-sensitive packages. For personal correspondence, the act of licking an envelope was seen as a practical and traditional method.
Personal Experiences: Licking Envelopes from Past to Present
I personally have always preferred to lick envelopes and stamps. While it might seem a bit gross, for years, this was simply how one went about sending letters. It was a historical ritual that became a mundane part of communication, reflecting the era's norms and practices.
The act of licking a modern, self-adhesive stamp that doesn’t require moisture seems like a relic of the past. Every stamp made by USPS since around 2002 has been self-adhesive, working just like a sticker. Yet, such was not always the case. Before 2002, users had to either lick, wet, or glue their stamps, and the same went for most envelopes. Only newer, adherent-sealer envelopes allow for a clean and efficient mailing process without the need for moisture.
Current Practices: Licking Envelopes in a Changing Landscape
Even in places like the United States, licking has become less common. The advent of self-adhesive stamps and envelopes has made the process quicker and cleaner. However, during my recent travels to France, I discovered that they still require licking the stamps. Interestingly, it didn’t seem out of place to me; it felt like a historical throwback that still worked efficiently.
When I began working for the postal service in 2015, I made a conscious decision to never lick an envelope or stamp. The idea of having licked around 30,000 envelopes and stamps was more than I could stomach. While this was a personal choice driven by hygiene concerns, it’s clear that the practice is becoming less common in the digital age.
Why Licking Envelopes is Becoming a Thing of the Past
As we move towards a more digital world, the need for physical stamps and envelopes is diminishing. Digital communication has not only changed the way we communicate but also the way we think about the tactile and ritualistic aspects of letter writing. While licking an envelope might seem a quaint practice, it is a reminder of a bygone era.
However, for those who still value the tradition of letter writing, the simple act of licking an envelope can be a nostalgic and engaging experience. It’s a moment of connection, a small ritual that harks back to a time when communication was a more physical and engaging process.
Conclusion: Embracing Change while Cherishing Traditions
The act of licking envelopes and stamps might be a thing of the past for many, but for those who still value the tradition of letter writing, it remains a key part of the experience. As we continue to evolve, it’s important to embrace the changes while still cherishing the elements that make communication meaningful and personal.
Today, we might prefer the convenience of digital communication, but the thrill of the physical letter remains. Whether it’s through the taste of licking an old-style stamp or the simplicity of a modern self-adhesive envelope, the experience of sending a letter is a human one, one that transcends time and technology.