pot please, hold the wax

12/31/22

Many years ago I took a classical Latin class. I'd like to share the following.

The word Sincerely at the close of a letter is taken from the Latin phrase SINE CERA which literally means Without Wax!

Cracks in statues and pottery were often disguised by pouring melted wax into them and allowing it to cool. Therefore, the small inscription Sine Cera on the base meant you were getting a good product, you were getting your money's worth. Perhaps we should  start signing our letters:

Without Wax,

JM Amley