Signatures Through the Ages: Tracing the Evolution from Seals to E-Signatures | DrySign in Philippines

Around 3000 BC, the Sumerians and Egyptians pioneered the use of pictures and symbols to convey meaning, marking the beginning of our enduring fascination with signatures. From the earliest pictographs to modern electronic signatures, the concept has evolved over time. Nowadays, it's commonplace for everyone to have a signature they use for various purposes, from signing legal documents to restaurant receipts and delivery forms. It's interesting to note that a signature is not simply one's regular handwriting, but rather a unique reflection of an individual's personality that carries legal importance.

Signatures can be particularly intriguing when it comes to notable figures, such as influential leaders, artists, and celebrities. For example, a Christmas card signed by Adolf Hitler himself was discovered in 1941. The card was printed on heavy cardstock with a Nazi eagle and swastika imprint in the upper left-hand corner, and the signature in the lower right-hand corner was difficult to decipher. This serves as a testament to the historical significance of signatures and their ability to offer insight into the past.

History of Signatures 

Signatures have had a long history of use in Europe, with evidence of their existence dating back to 3000 BC. However, the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 is a notable example highlighting the significance of signatures. This document was signed by English barons who compelled King John to agree to a charter of rights documented in the Magna Carta. Additionally, the legal significance of signatures was established in 1677 with the English parliament's enactment of the Statute of Fraud Act. This act required that wills, contracts, and grants be written and signed to prevent fraudulent activities.

·        3500 BC: The first signature

·        1800-1200 BC: Invention of alphabets and vowels

·        600 BC: Invention of the Latin alphabet

·        AD 57: Hanko Seal

·        1069: Earliest known signature

·        The 1600s: Widespread use of signatures

·        1867: Statute of Frauds

·        1869: Acceptance of digital signatures via telegraph

·        20th Century: The Rise of the Fax Machine

·        2000: ESign Act

Electronic signatures are revolutionizing traditional paperwork

The use of signatures has been a crucial part of human history, serving various purposes such as business transactions, financial management, education, and daily routines. However, with the emergence of advanced technology and new platforms, digital signatures have revolutionized traditional paperwork. Nowadays, eSignatures are essential to business operations and daily activities thanks, in part, to their convenience and security. Following are the top e-signature trends for 2022:

·         Businesses will continue to adopt hybrid work experiences

·         Global regulations will allow more types of documents to be signed digitally

·         Establishment of a more robust identity assessment

·         Traditional form-based processes will convert to intelligent, conversational experiences

Get DrySign 

As the usage of e-signatures becomes increasingly prevalent, DrySign, an online digital signature solution, is committed to embracing new developments and delivering a wide range of advantages akin to the evolution of traditional signatures. DrySign is a reliable electronic signature platform that offers numerous benefits to users.

• With DrySign, you can sign documents from anywhere in the world using any electronic device.
• Using DrySign e-signatures helps to reduce travel time, paper cost, pollution,greenhouse gas emissions, plastic waste, and more.
• DrySign electronic signatures provide greater security with strong user authentication methods to ensure the authenticity of the signer.
• DrySign e-signatures comply with specific e-signature laws to avoid legal disputes and ensure the validity of the signed document.
• Multiple signatories can sign a document electronically through DrySign without any hassle, making it a convenient and efficient option for businesses and individuals alike.

To know more about signature history and how electronic signatures are revolutionizing traditional paperwork: https://drysign.exelatech.ph/blog/signatures-through-ages-tracing-evolution-seals-e-signatures