The hidden message behind an upside-down stamp

Coded messages, hidden meanings, Easter eggs, whatever you call them, this type of cryptic communication has been around since the Victorian era and has made its way into our high-tech communication world.

Some forms of communication like emojis aren’t even hidden, but rather quick and easy ways to convey a message. But sending messages to people who don’t speak everyday, everyday language is nothing new and has been around for centuries, whether they’re hidden or not.

Although sending letters and cards through the post is not what it used to be, it was the primary means of communication and when it came to matters of the heart, it was all about love or the lack thereof.

According to the website Site Point, the upside-down stamp was originally a covert way of saying “I love you” in the mail.

Mail delivery was an important event for every household, rich or poor. It was therefore virtually impossible to send mail to someone without the whole family knowing. In an era where ‘Victorian morality’ was central and privacy was not, this made the exchange of personal and private messages between couples very difficult.

But this was just one of many ways to communicate through the placement of stamps. In the past, stamps were not necessarily placed in the upper right corner, but could be placed anywhere on the envelope.

Additionally, the recipient of the letter had to pay so often that he would look at the location of the stamp to find the hidden message and then refuse to pay for the letter.

According to the Philatelic Database website, here’s what the stamp’s placement meant.

I love you: Upside down, top left corner

I hate you: Right angle, upper left corner

Do you love me: Right angle, top, right corner

I hope to see you soon: At right angles to the surname

My heart belongs to another: Across in the upper left corner

I am engaged: Upside down in accordance with the last name

Accept my love: Standing in line with last name

Write, it’s over: Upside down, top right corner

I desire your friendship: Vertical upper right corner

Goodbye dear : Vertically anywhere

Write immediately: Centered on the right edge

Yes: At the top, in the center of the envelope

No: At the bottom, in the center of the envelope

Today, the upside-down stamp in the upper right corner of an envelope or postcard is a fun and symbolic way to say “I love you” to keep the history of the language of stamps alive.

It is also used in the military with various meanings on the positioning of the stamps according to the We Are the Almighty website. Click here to learn more.