Beautiful letters in Russian with monograms. Monograms and monograms

Monogram and monogram.

What do we think of first when we hear the word monogram? Many people imagine various curls and pretzels, in one word “unicorns”. But monograms are not at all ordinary patterns and vignettes.

What is a monogram?

Let's look in the explanatory dictionary to find out.

Monogram (from Polish Węzeł - knot) - the initial letters of the first and last name (sometimes patronymic), usually artistically intertwined and forming a beautiful pattern.

It turns out that they are very similar to the monogram. You could even say that they are practically the same thing.

What is a monogram?

This word has Greek roots and means (mono - one, gramma - letter) a sign formed by connecting letters together. The letters can be intertwined or side by side. Usually these are letters initial values names or surnames.

In the picture we see slight differences. As a rule, the difference lies in the different number and complexity of patterns and decorations. Those. externally, the monogram is a more complex monogram.

Monograms, accordingly, have a more strict form and are reproduced somewhat easier.

Monogram can be simple or complex. Complex ones usually belong to several owners, while simple ones use letters belonging to only one. They can be decorated with a crown, wreath or other heraldic elements.

So what are the main differences?

1) Affiliation

A monogram can represent several owners, while a monogram can only represent one.

2) Artistic richness

The monogram carries much more patterns, heraldic symbols and other additional information. Monograms are simply intertwined initials.

3) Playback

A monogram can be rendered by hand, while a monogram can be much more difficult to reproduce by hand.

Story

Monograms were seen in 350 AD. BC. and were used on coins. In fact, they began to be used with the advent of writing and served as a kind of signature. In the Russian Empire, many high-ranking persons had their own monogram. It was a badge of honor that not many could have.

Since the 7th century, monograms began to be used as seals by the rulers of the principalities, replacing a personal signature on letters and documents.

In the Middle Ages, these signs marked clothing, cutlery, jewelry, cigarette cases and other household items. At the same time, there was a crown on the clothes, corresponding to the title of the owner - baronial, count, royal or noble.

Products were marked with monograms medieval artists and artisans. Sometimes these were not letters, but plants and animals. Some used a flower, others a snake, but all placed their sign in a secluded corner on the edge of the product.

Some of these beautiful signs are still preserved on the facades of buildings or on forged products.

Usage.

Currently they are used to decorate gifts and souvenirs. Located on invitation cards and postcards. They are actively used in the design of corporate and wedding symbols.

Monograms and ligatures

There is also such a term - ligature. What is the difference between a ligature and a monogram? After all, a ligature is also several letters combined into one sign - essentially a monogram. A ligature forms one sign - a grapheme, and a monogram new sign does not form, it does not merge two graphemes into one, but only “intertwines” them into one composition, but not into one letter.

What types of monograms and monograms are there?

Monograms and monograms can be simple or complex, depending on the number of initials. As previously written, a simple monogram is one that belongs to one person. Complex monograms are those that have several initials from different people and (or) a family surname. Complex monograms and monograms were previously passed down by inheritance, from one generation to another, and were applied to jewelry, dishes, furniture, etc.

Now in more detail for each of these types of monograms:

Personal monograms

This type of monogram can even consist of one letter, mainly the initial letter of a name or surname or two, for example, for Alexei Zaitsev it can be either “A” or “Z”, or both letters intertwined together - “ AZ".

Monograms and three-letter name monograms are more popular in the Russian-speaking environment, which explains cultural characteristics, because in Russia a person is often called by his first name and patronymic. When developing monograms, the letter of the surname is made a little larger, or may stand out in some other way.

Family monograms

Couple (family) monograms are very popular these days as a wedding attribute; they are used when designing invitations and business cards, for decorating a wedding hall, cakes, and wedding processions.

Either one letter is signed - the initial letter in the surname of a young family, for example, for the Zaitsevs - “Z”, or two, intertwined from the initials of the spouses’ names. The most common and most common are paired monograms, consisting of three letters, located in a special way: initial letter comes first female name, followed by the first letter of the couple’s last name, and at the end – the first letter of the man’s first name.

Female or male monogram?

When ordering and creating a monogram from Russian letters, you should remember some generally accepted rules: Male signs are made only from block letters; calligraphic obliques and italics are used to create symbols for women; in a woman’s monogram, the first letter will be the initial letter of the name, followed by the largest letter of the surname, and at the end the letter of the patronymic (the same size as the name); in monograms for men, the size of all three letters is often the same; if the male monogram consists of two characters, then the first name is written first, followed by the surname.

Order for the development of a monogram and monogram

From us you can order the creation of a monogram, monogram or ligature for you.

We offer two options: budget - from standard layouts with ready-made fonts (the price depends on the complexity) and individual, unique - the artist will draw a sign for you individually, not similar to the others, with approval, starting from the sketch and until the final approval of the layout.

One of severe tests The designer's skill and originality represent combinations of letters in monograms or ciphers. This requires not only a knowledge of the laws of design and a close, sympathetic acquaintance with the form of letters, but also precise skill and ingenuity - strength in devising combinations where nothing is obvious. A monogram, strictly speaking, is a combination of two or more letters in which part of each letter forms part of another. This is usually said to refer to any combination of intertwined or superimposed letters. But if each letter is separate and complete, then such a pattern is no longer a monogram, but a cipher. And although usage and even some dictionary definitions allow for a broader interpretation of this word, we will make a distinction between these patterns - mainly for convenience of explanation. Generally, constructing a monogram requires more ingenuity than a cipher, and is therefore more interesting as a task, but the result is often not as satisfying as a well-designed cipher. Complex structures of two or three letters, where two letters form a monogram and the third is written separately, should be avoided as much as possible. The design must be either a pure monogram or a pure cipher. Moreover, one should not think that a monogram in a pattern is better than a code. The pattern intended for the ornament is already There is ornament and the first requirement for it is beauty. Very often any combination of letters fails to become anything more than an ugly monogram, and very rarely the same combination fails to make a satisfactory, if not beautiful, cipher. The laws of unity, balance, symmetry, etc., of course , will be applied here, as in any other field of design. Absolute symmetry in relation to the central axis is not so necessary, but balance is absolutely necessary. Period, design and material must be well thought out. The period and style must match, and all letters must be of the same style. Mixing a dozen styles is completely unacceptable. Purity and simplicity of line and composition are required. Ornate "Louis XV" sometimes
used by engravers who do not have sufficient skill. The excess of ornamentation exposes a weak master. Important letters (the latter representing the initials of the person) must occupy a prominent position in the pattern and have sufficient strength and size. A perfect monogram requires that the letters be read in the correct order. The goal is again determined by intelligibility. Trademark or trademark should be easy to read, while a personal sign may be difficult to read - but both should be decorative, and therefore well designed. The material on which the sign is executed has a significant influence on the style of writing, the number of ornaments and the nature of the background. The cipher or monogram must be continuous or overlap one another or continue each other. In an overlapping design, the relief of the letters should be emphasized by their size, the quality of the forming line, or their location at the top. In a design where the letters follow one another, the pattern should be easy to read from left to right, written continuous line and therefore have only two free ends. Sometimes in this pattern last letter is made slightly larger than the others and is located in the middle. Care must be taken, especially in three-letter compositions, to avoid random letters. They can destroy the value of a pattern, no matter how good it may be. It is allowed to reverse any letter, but at the end. Typical example- Rookwood Pottery pattern in Fig. 117. Many such examples can be found in 17th-century designs, which usually strive for perfect symmetry with respect to the vertical axis. In comparatively in rare cases the letters in the monogram can be turned up or down. This technique usually works well for patterns where the letters overlap each other. In Fig. 109 shows the possibilities of this method for all letters of the alphabet. As an “attack” on the problem of form in space, the following is primary. If the monogram is enclosed in a circle or other geometric shape, it must be organized in accordance with its place, and even if used as a free ornament, the proportions of the monogram must be organized in relation to the place it occupies.

Rice. 110. Pattern by adding letters. Pairs such as CD, CO, CD, KB and doubles such as HH, ϽC, Dᗡ balance left or right and indicate the possibility of symmetrical superposition of each first, second or subsequent
letters. The shape of such a pattern, shown in Fig. 111. used more often and usually
more picky. If there is a desire for a strict monogram, careful study must be carried out to
searching for the most suitable strokes. Thus, in M, R, L in Fig. 112M
has four possible base directions for K and L. It is obvious here that
using the first leg will give an erroneous result - reading the letters as
on R, M, L.

Rice. 111. Pattern of letters following each other The loose ends of each letter should be examined for the relationship between them in search of possibilities
for a continuous monogram (Fig. 113.). Sometimes it is possible to improvise with free ends of letters as in E B. Vertical font is good
use for a continuous pattern (Fig. 115). The continuity of the pattern is especially
good for an autograph monogram (monogram). After studying the letters themselves, the designer should try various styles letters on small sketches,
starting with Roman.

Rice. 119. Patterns of Georges Oriol.

Monograms- this is a certain combination of capital letters of a person’s surname and name, which are applied to a thing belonging to this person. The monogram consists of intertwined monograms of initials. In the old days, it was possible to judge a person’s neatness, aristocracy and taste. Each housewife made every effort to ensure that the monogram turned out neat. It was applied to handkerchiefs, tablecloths, towels and bed linen. As a rule, the monogram was indicated in the corner, however, if it was applied to a tablecloth or towel, it could be located in the center. On shirts, the monogram was applied to the cuffs or pockets.

Monogram embroidery

As a rule, monograms were made with a cross. In some cases they were embroidered using satin stitch. Iris or floss was used as thread. The monogram was embroidered on women's wardrobe items contrasting colors, and on men's - with threads that matched the main color of the product. In addition to shirts, handkerchiefs and underwear, the monogram could be seen on boxes of personalized chocolates, expensive cigarette cases, etc.

Fans of various puzzles will be interested to know what it is.

DIY monogram

If you want to make a monogram with your own hands, then take advantage of our master classes.

Monogram on your favorite bag.

Necessary materials:

Simple pencil
- eraser
- scissors
- thin brush
- palette on a saucer
- bowl of water
- lightly dampened paper towels
- acrylic paint for leather in different colors
- printed monogram
- sticky paper tape

Manufacturing process:

1. Wipe the area of skin on which you plan to apply the monogram with a paper towel and let dry.
2. Cut out the monogram, shade evenly with reverse side pencil.
3. Unfold the paper with the monogram facing up, place it on the desired area, and secure with adhesive tape.
4. Using a pencil, press the outlines of the monogram so that they stand out clearly on the product.
5. Remove the monogram, clean the surface of any trace residue using an eraser.
6. Start drawing, applying paint to the contours of the monogram with neat strokes. There is no need to rush in this matter!
7. Let the first layer dry (about 20 minutes), apply paint again, and let the drawing dry.

Creating a monogram for a wedding.

Necessary materials:

Secateurs
- thin wire for attaching bundles
- wire for the base
- fern and gypsophila

Manufacturing process:

1. Form the base: bend the wire into the shape of capital letters.
2. Take a small bunch of material (fern or gypsophila) and tie it with thin wire.
3. Use the same wire to tie the bundle to the base.
4. Attach all other bundles in the same way. Make sure that all bundles are attached in a spiral and cover the base of the previous one.
5. Attach the last bundle in the opposite direction from all previous ones.
6. After making monograms, straighten the plants.

Russian monograms:

You can use monograms for place cards, wedding invitations, bonbonnieres for guests, etc.

Monogram photo

Wedding monogram made of woolen threads.

Necessary materials:

Thermal gun
- artificial flowers
- wool threads
- cardboard
- thick felt or cotton wool

Manufacturing process:

1. Print out the letter of your name, cut it out, outline it on a piece of cardboard, and then cut out the letter from the cardboard.
2. Glue a little thick felt or cotton wool onto the surface of the letter.
3. Divide the woolen threads into small balls to make it easier to wrap them around the letter. Do not tighten the threads around the letter too much, but make sure that they lie evenly.
4. As a result, you should completely wrap the letter. If you need to cut the threads and start work from the other end, do it without hesitation. The main thing is to seal the ends with a heat gun.
5. From one corner you can decorate the monogram with fabric flowers, beads, artificial buds, beads, ribbons, etc.
6. The finished monogram can be hung or placed on the table.

You may also be interested to know. In our article you will select several interesting competitions that your guests will certainly enjoy.

How create a monogram in Microsoft Word.

In that graphic editor you can easily create any monogram, change its size and color as desired. There are other programs for creating monograms and monograms, but we offer you the simplest and most accessible method.

The process of creating a monogram:

1. Create a text field of a suitable size where the names of the newlyweds should fit. (Insert - Caption).
2. We write capital letters of names, and then experiment with different fonts. It is better to increase the size of the drawing to 180-200.
3. Let's play with different colors - they should fit harmoniously into the design of your wedding.
4. To insert a name, add 2 more text fields. Again use different monogram fonts, colors, placement.
5. Get rid of the frame around the name. To do this, right-click on the text field and select “Format Label”.
6. Select the “Fill - no color” option. This way you will get rid of white background, which does not allow you to see the capital letters of the wedding monogram.
7. Go to the “Line” tab and also get rid of the frame.
8. Click “Apply”. As a result, the frame fill will become transparent.
9. Following the recommendations described above, create a second name.
10. Insert the word "AND". It is desirable that it be subtler than the names.
11. Add the wedding date below. Remove the background and border.
12. Add a butterfly to the monogram. You can also use other drawings. To do this, simply load them through the “Insert - Drawing” function.
13. Monogram ready! Feel free to print it out!

If you want to teach your child how to draw, then “” will be very useful for you.

you also can download monograms, but you must agree - making them to your liking is much more interesting!

Monograms and monograms

Quite often these words are perceived as synonyms. But there is still a difference between them. Monogram is a complicated monogram, with the addition various decorations, with a more intricate interweaving of letters. If the initials belong to the same person, then the monogram is considered simple, and if different, then complex. It can be decorated with a crown, wreath, etc. A larger number of monograms looks royally beautiful. And this is not at all accidental. In the old days, all the people from royal families had their own Monogram monograms. They were widely used on coins, documents, and could also be given as a sign of special respect. Noble people and aristocrats decorated their houses with monograms, painted them on gates, etc.

You can also create monograms online. This is very convenient for those who do not have special programs.

Monogram of Christ

The monogram of Christ consists of three letters "IHS". These letters are the first letters of the word "lhcuc" or "lhsus", which is the Greek word for the name "Jesus". This inscription quite often confused with letters Latin phrase“In hoc signo.” In fact, this phrase is associated with the legend of Constantine, who on the eve of the battle, before his own baptism, saw visions of a banner with the words “In hoc signo vinces,” which translated means “With this sign you will win.” After winning this battle, Constantine became a Christian.

Letter monogram

Another famous monogram of Christ is the letters “HR”. These are the first two letters of the Greek word "Christ". In the combination of these letters you can see the shape of a cross. In addition, this monogram can be read in Latin as “rah”, which translates as “peace”.

Monogram and monogram.

What do we think of first when we hear the word monogram? Many people imagine various curls and pretzels, in one word “unicorns”. But monograms are not at all ordinary patterns and vignettes.

What is a monogram?

Let's look in the explanatory dictionary to find out.

Monogram (from Polish Węzeł - knot) - the initial letters of the first and last name (sometimes patronymic), usually artistically intertwined and forming a beautiful pattern.

It turns out that they are very similar to the monogram. You could even say that they are practically the same thing.

What is a monogram?

This word has Greek roots and means (mono - one, gramma - letter) a sign formed by connecting letters together. The letters can be intertwined or side by side. Usually, these are the initial letters of first or last names.

Monograms, accordingly, have a more strict form and are somewhat easier to reproduce.

So what are the main differences?

1) Affiliation

A monogram can represent several owners, while a monogram can only represent one.

2) Artistic richness

The monogram carries much more patterns, heraldic symbols and other additional information. Monograms are simply intertwined initials.

3) Playback

A monogram can be rendered by hand, while a monogram can be much more difficult to reproduce by hand.

Story

Since the 7th century, monograms began to be used as seals by the rulers of the principalities, replacing a personal signature on letters and documents.

Monograms marked the products of medieval artists and craftsmen. Sometimes these were not letters, but plants and animals. Some used a flower, others a snake, but all placed their sign in a secluded corner on the edge of the product.

Some of these beautiful signs are still preserved on the facades of buildings or on forged products.

Usage.

Currently they are used to decorate gifts and souvenirs. Located on invitation cards and postcards. They are actively used in the design of corporate and wedding symbols.

Monograms and ligatures

There is also such a term - ligature. What is the difference between a ligature and a monogram? After all, a ligature is also several letters combined into one sign - essentially a monogram. A ligature forms one sign - a grapheme, but a monogram does not form a new sign, it does not merge two graphemes into one, but only “interweaves” them into one composition, but not into one letter.

What types of monograms and monograms are there?

Now in more detail for each of these types of monograms:

Personal monograms

Monograms and three-letter name monograms are more popular in the Russian-speaking environment, which is explained by cultural characteristics, because in Russia a person is often named by his first name and patronymic. When developing monograms, the letter of the surname is made a little larger, or may stand out in some other way.

Family monograms

Either one letter is signed - the initial letter in the surname of a young family, for example, for the Zaitsevs - “Z”, or two, intertwined from the initials of the spouses’ names. The most common and most common are paired monograms consisting of three letters, arranged in a special way: the initial letter of the female name comes first, followed by the first letter of the couple’s surname, and at the end the first letter of the man’s name.

Female or male monogram?

Order for the development of a monogram and monogram

From us you can order the creation of a monogram, monogram or ligature for you.

Many in their lives have at least once encountered beautifully intertwined letters, sometimes decorated with ornaments - a monogram. Has anyone wondered what a monogram is and what is the history of this symbol of high-ranking persons and monarchs? But he has a very interesting story. An article about the monogram will introduce the reader to interesting facts associated with it, as well as where it is currently used.

Drawing from time immemorial

Beautiful drawing of two or more letters elegantly intertwined with each other, first appeared, according to historians and archaeologists, on the coins of Ancient Greece.

One of the most famous monograms in the world is the Chrisma - the monogram of Jesus Christ. It is placed on the emblem of the military standard of the first Roman emperor Constantine the Great.

On coins of ancient cities found during excavations, a monogram consisting of the first two letters of their names is clearly visible. For example, on the coins of the city of Achaia.

Monograms can be found not only on coins, but also on medals.

Monogram as a signature

Roman emperors and soon monarchs European countries France and England, in the 7th-8th centuries, began to use a monogram instead of their signature on letters and documents. During the Renaissance, the monogram began to be perceived as a personal symbol of its owner, his autograph. Soon it migrated to household items: clothes, cigarette cases, weapons. Of course, only wealthy people could afford such a luxury. Noble owners of monograms and monograms used to pass them on by inheritance.

Gradually, such symbols began to be used by artists, sculptors, and engravers who sought to indicate the authorship of their works. Johann Sebastian Bach, for example, had three monograms, two of which were in the form of notes and one in the form of a signature. He also owned beautiful monogram, made in baroque style.

What a monogram is is well said in Great Encyclopedia edited by S. N. Yuzhakov. This is how it is written on Old Slavonic language:

Monogram (Greek), strictly speaking, one letter, as well as a figure consisting of several intertwined letters representing a name or a well-known formula. Such M. were used for signatures and seals. M. are also found on ancient coins and medals. Subsequently, they were used by artists, engravers and industrialists, exhibiting M. in their works.

Etymology of the word "monogram"

What is a “monogram”, what is the etymology of the word itself? The essence of such an emblem is expressed in its name, which has Greek roots: mono - one, gramma - letter. Thus, it was originally a beautifully designed single letter representing family name or owner's name. As time passed, more letters were added to the writing and design of the monogram, standing side by side or intertwined. They talked about family affiliation; they also included the first letters of the names and surnames of the wife or husband, or all the initials of its owner were placed on the symbol. Currently, such an emblem is composed not only of letters. The monogram includes the most different signs, symbols and ornaments.

Russian monograms

The tradition of using monograms also came to Russia. It is believed that Tsar Peter I was the first of the Russian nobility to use them. In 1722, he ordered a monogram with the letter of the Russian alphabet “P” and the number “1” to be placed on Russian rubles. Thus, he indicated himself as its owner. Initially, when the emperor first arrived from abroad, he had a monogram with the Latin letter "R". Then she changed to Russian. Peter I also introduced the mandatory use of monograms on epaulettes and shoulder straps of high-ranking officials. The embroidery was done with gold-colored threads.

Known in Russian history was the monogram of Catherine II. She used her initials on documents, coins and things she owned. jewelry. It was an original and elegantly drawn letter "E" with two vertical strokes.

Both of these emblems are unique identifications of an individual. How does a monogram differ from a monogram? At first glance, it seems that these are the same thing, because both there are intricately intertwined letters. The simplest explanation for the differences in definitions is this: a monogram is a more complex form of monogram.

Geometric patterns, heraldic motifs, crowns and military attributes are used to compose the monogram. All this is combined in one composition. Monograms can be simple, belonging to one owner, or complex, which can be used by several owners.

Rules for drawing up monograms

When composing a monogram, you need to adhere to certain rules so that it does not turn into a monogram. That is, the intricacy of the composition should not be overly saturated with all kinds of interweavings and not overloaded with additional motifs. The monogram alphabet can be represented in both Cyrillic and Latin alphabet. Original and discreet monograms are often embroidered on cuffs and collars. They are usually done in blue and black colors.

So, what rules should you follow when creating a monogram? First of all, you need to decide who it will be intended for: a man or a woman, a married couple or a child. After this, you can start creating and take into account the following:

The monogram is read from left to right and from top to bottom.
For men, it is customary to use block letters.
Women's monograms, as well as those created for married couples, are usually done in capitals. Calligraphic fonts are also used in these cases.
If a woman's monogram is made of three letters: first name, patronymic and last name, they are arranged in the following order: first name - small, second large letter - last name, third small - patronymic.
If the monogram is made up of two letters denoting the first and last name, then in this case the letters must be the same size.
An emblem intended for a child must consist of one letter.

Family monograms

The skill and originality of drawing up family monograms is a real test for the designer. It is the combinations of letters and their interaction that are complex. Typically, the spouses' monogram consists of three letters: the first small one is the wife's name, the middle large one is the common surname, the third small one is the husband's name.

If the family wears double surname, in the middle of the monogram there should be two capital letters first and second surnames. For example, Saltykov-Shchedrin is S and Shch.

Currently, family monograms from letters are used, as a rule, when designing invitations and business cards. It's very fashionable now. If this is a young family, then the wedding celebration is also accompanied wedding hall design, decoration cars and cakes using the emblem. At family celebrations you can often see monograms embroidered on napkins. Usually, on the emblem of a young family, one letter appears - the first letter of the common surname.

Monograms today

The popularity of the monogram is currently returning. Previously, only high-ranking nobles and people of art could use such symbols. The revolution made its own amendments, eradicating everything that did not correspond to its ideology. Today, any citizen or company can use a monogram. Famous brands place monograms on their products. By doing this, they emphasize the status of the company and the leader. And it is not at all necessary to place the first letters of the owner’s last name on the monogram. This could be the name of the company or its motto.

It is appropriate to use monograms on jewelry, exquisite gifts. It may happen that this gift or piece of jewelry will be kept in the family as a family heirloom. Thus, the monogram will be passed on from generation to generation.

Monograms as symbols are introduced into use by hotels and restaurants. On bed linen, towels, bathrobes, tablecloths and napkins of elite establishments are decorated with embroidery in the form of elegantly woven Russian or Latin letters. Currently, there are quite a lot of monogram options that can be built into software at sewing enterprises that ensure the application of such designs on certain products.

Monograms on men's shirts

An interesting fact is the appearance of monograms on men's clothing. What is a monogram on a shirt, why is it needed, especially if it is located in not very noticeable places of this subject clothes? It turns out that she did not appear out of a desire to stand out or show her level. Men who handed over their laundry to the laundry had to distinguish their shirt from someone else's. Currently they do not take laundry to the laundromat. A monogram on a shirt no longer has any practical value, but it serves to add beauty. To modern youths I like to personalize everything, to have my own marks on clothes.

There are rules for monogramming shirts. It is not applied to be on public display. It is needed exclusively for the owner of the shirt. Located a few centimeters above the trouser waistband, it will look discreet and appropriate, just like on inside collar Basically, monograms are located to the left of the placket, and if the shirt has a pocket, then on the pocket. The monogram should not be large and catchy. Otherwise, the shirt owner will be considered tactless.

For many centuries it has been believed that a monogram is a symbol that indicates high social status person, family or clan, belonging to the highest, ruling strata of society. Such a sign, along with the family coat of arms, was a source of special pride. It was placed on palaces and houses, family sets and household items, and decorated with wardrobe items. Today, after a short period of oblivion, monograms and monograms have become popular again. This article will tell you what these stylish decorative elements are, what their similarities and differences are.

What it is?

The word "monogram" is Greek, in literal translation it means " simple line" The very first monograms were actually written as one continuous and continuous line. However, over time, simplicity gave way to a large number of details, decorations and various additions. In its original form, the monogram consisted of just one initial letter of the name.

Then the first letter of the surname began to be added to this symbol. Thus, today the monogram is decorative pattern from the initials of a person or the initial letters of the name of a company or firm. It is important to note that just initials (for example, B.P.) are not a monogram. In order to become one, the letters must be made in the form of a single pattern, beautifully intertwined with each other and placed in some shape (for example, an oval or square).

What is the difference between a monogram and a monogram?

Modern people (with rare exceptions) believe that these are synonymous words. However, it is not. Monograms and monograms do have a lot in common, but they are different symbols.

The word “monogram” itself, meaning “knot”, has Polish roots. Without going into details, the monogram can be called a complicated form of monogram, to which additional decorations were added, and the interlacing of letters was made even more complex. It can be decorated with any symbols, such as a wreath, shield or crown. Many modern monarchs, like their predecessors, have their own special monograms, which are applied to coins, documents and jewelry.

Thus, there are the following differences between these symbolic images:

1. Monogram is special sign, showing that an object belongs to a specific person. A monogram can carry information about one or several people united according to some characteristic.

2. Unlike a monogram, which is an artistically executed and intertwined initials, a monogram can be supplemented with various heraldic symbols that carry a fairly large amount of additional information.

3. In most cases, a monogram of letters can be easily reproduced by hand, but it is quite difficult to reproduce a monogram in this way.

A little history

Data archaeological excavations allow us to talk about what else in Ancient Egypt seals with carved monograms were used. Then similar symbols, namely the initial letters of names, began to be used in Greece and Rome. It is documented that monograms were used there already in the 4th century BC. e. One of the most famous of them is the “Christogram” - XP “Chi-Rho”, which includes the first letters of the Greek spelling of the name of Jesus Christ. Around this time, many Roman and Greek city-states introduced monograms on their coins.

Since about the 7th century, representatives of the highest clergy and rulers of various principalities and countries have used similar symbols on personal seals, which they used to certify documents and letters instead of signatures. Medieval aristocrats and rich people, to please their own vanity, decorated jewelry, cigarette cases and boxes, wine vessels and cutlery. In addition, monograms were made on the linen of aristocrats and kings, the embroidery of which was complemented by various crowns corresponding to the title of the owner: royal, baronial, count or noble. At the same time, there were special rules regarding what color the crown of a particular class could be embroidered. Thus, a crown embroidered on baronial linen could be two-colored, but one made on noble linen could only be white.

IN medieval Europe artisans, artists and engravers monogrammed their products. These were not always letters, like Leonardo da Vinci or Dürer. Quite often, artists marked their canvases with a figure, placing it in discreet place in the picture. For example, B. Garofalo painted a carnation flower, L. Cranach - a winged snake, P. Bril - glasses.

Since the 16th century, a monogram has been not only a personal symbol of rulers and aristocrats, but also a corporate trademark that was affixed by craftsmen.

Russian history

In Russia, the appearance of monograms is usually associated with the reformer Tsar Peter I. Before he became emperor, Peter Alekseevich’s personal monogram consisted of Latin letter"P" with mirror image. But already in 1722, monograms of the letters of the Russian alphabet appeared on rubles - “P” with the number I.

Subsequently, all Russian autocrats had monograms consisting of the initial letter of the name and serial number. Such symbols were also widely used on shoulder straps and epaulettes of various military units. The uniforms of high-ranking officials were decorated with monograms, the embroidery of which was made with special gilded threads.

Until the 20th century, monograms were widely used in Everyday life: they were put on jewelry, dishes, linen and clothing.

Types of monograms

Depending on the number of initials, a monogram of letters can be simple (belonging to one person) or complex - monogram, in which several names and a family surname are combined. Complex family monograms were previously passed down from one generation of a family to another and were affixed to family-owned houses, jewelry, dishes, furniture, and clothing. Let us consider in more detail the features of each of these types.

Personal monograms

Such symbols can be:

Single-letter, that is, consisting of one initial letter - first or last name. So, for Timofey Zaitsev it can be either “T” or “Z”.
Consisting of two letters indicating the first and last name.
The three-letter name monogram is most popular in the Russian-speaking environment, which is due to the cultural characteristics of communications, when a respected person is called by his patronymic.
Monogram ciphers that are practically unknown in Russia. To create such a sign, all letters from the surname or given name are used.

When composing a monogram, as a rule, the letter denoting the surname is executed several times bigger size or allocated in some other way.

Family monograms

Pair (or family) monograms in Lately very popular as wedding attribute, used to decorate invitations and business cards of guests, when decorating a wedding procession and cake, and the hall where the celebration is held. Either one letter can be used - the initial one in the surname of a young family, for example, for the Krutikovs - “K”, or two, made up of the initials of the newlyweds’ names.

The most popular and frequently used are paired Russian monograms, consisting of three letters, which must be arranged in a special way: first comes the first letter of the female name, in the middle - the surname of the couple, and then the initial letter of the male name.

Women's or men's?

When drawing up a monogram of letters of the Russian alphabet, you should remember some unspoken rules:

for male signs, only block letters are used;
calligraphic and capital slanted ones are used to create female symbols;
in a women's three-letter monogram, the first will be the initial letter of the name, then the larger one will be the surname, and the last will be the patronymic (the same as the name);
in a men's three-letter monogram, the size of all letters will be the same;
In monograms consisting of two characters, the first name comes first, then the last name, and the size of the letters is the same.

Monograms today

Having retreated into the “shadow” for some time, today monograms and monograms are again popular. A modern monogram does not necessarily contain the initials of the owner; it is quite possible to use it like Elvis Presley, for whom it was TCB (Taking Care of Business) and meant the first letters of a personal motto. An exquisitely and unusually made symbol attracts attention and emphasizes the individuality of the owner. Wealthy businessmen quite often order the development of a personal monogram signature, which has the same legal force as an ordinary one.

Today, monograms decorate not only jewelry and costume jewelry, clothing and shoes, but also logos large companies, business cards, business papers and representative accessories.

Recently, more and more of our contemporaries are ordering the development of a family monogram, passed on by inheritance.