The time has come, The Walrus said.....?

Question

'To talk of other things! 'Of shoes, and ships, and ceiling wax, and cabbages and kings,'

So.... what is "Ceiling Wax"?????

Answer 1

Possibly a misspelling of Sealing Wax?

Answer 2

Actually, the line refers to "sealing wax," not "ceiling wax." Sealing wax is the way letters were sealed back in the day to protect their integrity -- i.e. to ensure that no one but the recipient had opened the letter. Hot wax was dripped onto a folded letter, and often imprinted with a signet or family crest. The wax cooled and hardened, making it almost impossible to open the letter without breaking the wax seal.

Answer 3

Sealing wax, not ceiling wax. Sealing wax was used (in conjunction with a sealing ring or great seal) to place a seal on contracts and to close envelopes.

Answer 4

I am assuming it is meant to mean "Sealing wax". Given the context of the rest of the book I'm sure this was just another small detail meant to mess with your head a little. That of course, is just my oppinion.

Answer 5

The correct words are "sealing wax" and this was used to seal envelopes. The wax was dripped onto the envelope and a seal was pressed onto it flattening and sealing the envelope.

Answer 6

wax for ceilings

Answer 7

a type of wax maybe?

Answer 8

The sealant and emblemization of correspondence and letters, common during that time and prior, I'd imagine.

Answer 9

Are you seriously asking that? i mean come on, most things in Through the looking Glass don't make any sense.