We all have our own way of putting pen to paper. Some of us hold our pen up high and create flowing cursive while others hold the pen down low, creating nice, neat block letters. Without us even realising, a huge part of our identities is how we write, with every flick and flourish of the pen being completely unique to each of us.
And since we now live in a world where typing and texting occur more than any other form of communication, it’s only made handwriting all the more special. It’s a connection between thought and touch, almost like a fingerprint that belongs to each of us and those we love. And since here at Inscripture, we know just how important the handwriting of a loved one can be, we wanted to explore what your handwriting reveals about you in more detail…
A Brief History Of Handwriting
For most of us, it feels like handwriting has been there since the beginning of time, as if we’ve always put pen to paper. But that’s actually not the case. Some of the first examples of handwriting were the ancient hieroglyphics left behind from civilisations like the Egyptians. Although these weren’t the written words we know and use today, these symbols allowed them to communicate their own ideas and stories.
Then, around the 11th century BC, the Phoenicians developed what we know as the first known alphabet. It was later adapted by the Greeks and refined by the Romans into the Latin alphabet we use today.
For a long time, being able to write was a rarity and in some cases, even considered an art form. In the 17th and 18th centuries, penmanship was a mark of education and social standing. And since printers didn’t exist back then, they even had Master Penmen to hand-copy official documents and letters.
Then, as our education systems improved, children were eventually taught to write in school. Nowadays, we take handwriting for granted with most of us being able to communicate our own ideas using pen and paper. But as we know, typewriters, computers and smartphones eventually took over which means handwriting has become a rarer form of communication than ever. But, as we know, its emotional power has never disappeared.
Types of Handwriting
Over the centuries, writing styles have evolved massively, going from intricate scripts to modern simplicity. Here are a few of the most common styles we still see today.
Cursive Handwriting
Cursive, or “joined-up writing,” connects letters with flowing strokes, making it faster and more fluid. It first appeared in the 17th century and became the standard style for professionals like lawyers, clerks and teachers before typewriters came along.
Print Handwriting
Print handwriting, also called block letters, involves lifting the pen after each letter. It’s neat, clear and often used for forms, notes and anything that needs to be easily read.
Modern Cursive
Modern cursive is a simplified version of the traditional style. It’s easier to learn and quicker to write, with fewer loops and flourishes. Today, most of us naturally write in a mix of block and cursive.
What Your Handwriting Reveals About You
What makes handwriting fun is how it’s now so much more than just a skill and a way to communicate. It’s also a reflection of your personality and identity, with even the tiniest details of your penmanship hinting at your likes, thoughts and feelings.
Here’s a look at some of the most common handwriting traits and what they might say about you:
Letter Shapes
If your letters are rounded and soft, you may be creative, imaginative and empathetic. Meanwhile, those that write with sharper, pointed letters are thought to be curious and intelligent in nature with a strong focus on detail.
Letter Size
As you can probably guess, large handwriting is often linked with confidence, sociability and people who love to express themselves. Smaller writing, on the other hand, can indicate thoughtfulness and introspection. Medium-sized writing tends to belong to balanced, adaptable individuals.
Letter Spacing
Wide spacing between words can reflect independence and a need for personal space while spacing might suggest a people person, someone who enjoys being surrounded by others.
Letter Angle
A right slant suggests openness and enthusiasm for new experiences, while a left slant can indicate someone private or introspective. Straight-up, upright handwriting often belongs to practical, logical thinkers.
While it’s fun and fascinating to explore what your handwriting might reveal about you, it’s important to remember that handwriting is deeply personal and constantly evolving, just like we are. So if your style doesn’t seem to match your personality perfectly, don’t worry too much. Handwriting isn’t a precise science and its quirks are part of what makes it uniquely yours.
The Magic of Handwriting
Since we all have completely unique handwriting, in the same way we all have a one-of-a-kind fingerprint, it makes your script and the script of those around you, all the more magical don’t you think? When you receive a handwritten note or card from someone you love, we bet you can spot their handwriting before you’ve even read the words on the paper. That instant spark of familiarity is the real magic of handwriting to us.
A loved one’s handwriting can feel like a real part of them frozen in time, their personality and identity immortalised on paper, so you have a piece of them forever. It was this very idea that inspired our Handwriting Jewellery Collection here at Inscripture.
Keep Their Words Close With Handwriting Jewellery
We take a few handwritten words, whether it’s a signature, a message from a card or even a note scribbled years ago and turn them into engraved jewellery that you can wear and carry every day.
We’ve had customers turn their little one’s first words into beautiful handwriting keepsakes as well as others turning the words of someone they’ve loved and lost onto delicate necklaces and bracelets to feel close to them again.
Being able to look down and see the familiar words of someone you love right by your side can be incredibly powerful, and we’re honoured to be able to offer a huge range of Handwriting Jewellery & Gifts that lets you do just that.
The Future of Handwriting
In a world ruled by keyboards and screens, handwriting almost feels like a fading art. But we know, no matter what, those handwritten words will be filled with an irreplaceable kind of beauty. When you consider the person behind it, the personality it proves and the uniqueness of every flick and swirl, we’re certain handwriting will never disappear entirely.
Handwriting deserves to be celebrated, now and forever. And since you now know what your handwriting reveals about you, next time you put pen to paper, you’ll be able to truly appreciate the magic behind it.
