Mourning stationery is a letter, envelope, or calling card with a black border, used to signify that a person is experiencing mourning.[1][2] It was first used in the 17th century in Europe and was most popular during the Victorian era, during which it was also used in the United States and West Africa.[1][3][4][5]
The border may start thick and thin over time,[1][4] or the thickness may depend on the level of bereavement, or both. For example, the death of a child may call for a thicker border than the death of a cousin.[6][7] Social norms expected that the mourning period was to be displayed in both public and private. After the death of a reigning monarch, a mourning border may be placed on public notices, newspapers, and other government stationery.[1]
Convention was that children did not use mourning stationery.[8] If seals are used with mourning stationery, they are conventionally black.[8][9] Black borders may also be used on letters announcing an execution.[1]