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Monograms are a single design of two or more letters; the important part of the definition is in fact the design. Without the design it is in fact a cipher, which is in fact a code or a nonentity. As an element of design the monogram has been the personalized mark of wealth since the days of the ancient Egyptians. However the ancient Egyptians were far more prosaic they used simple monograms to identify laundry. Archaeological remains have been found from Egypt. Below the Egyptian lamp has a round body with a monogram and a cross in the center, between the two raised circles.

Monograms Developed In the middle Ages

During the middle ages there was a great need for the rich to designate a mark or a crest for their belongings. Theft was a common occurrence in a feudal society and the poor hugely outnumbered the rich. “Fenced goods” were more difficult to sell and to that extent the monogrammed goods were a theft deterrent. So the chastity belt and the monogram had a similar history they denoted ownership. Many a feudal lady would have whiles away many hours stitching the monograms on underwear and also laundry.