We usually tend to think of branding as a modern day phenomena, however the evolution of this process leads to as early as 2000 BC.
The word 'brand' is derived from the Old Norse 'brandr' meaning 'to burn'.
The first mention of branding refer to branding of cattle, livestock, i.e. burning a mark into cattle's skin with thick hides in order to identify ownership. Later, in 1300 BC, special marks were used on pottery and porcelain in China, India, Greece and Rome.
In Medieval Times paper makers used marks as well. In England bread makers goldsmiths and silversmiths were required to put their marks on goods, mainly to ensure honesty in measurements. Even the signatures on paintings of famous artists like Leonardo Da Vinci can be considered as early branding tools.
Between 1600s and 1800s slaves were branded roughly to connote ownership and criminals were branded as a form of punishment and identification.
In early 1800s some fraternities and sororities used to brand their pledges during initiation rites as a form of identification and bonding (abandoned after recognised as hazing). Around the same time period, companies that sell tobacco and patented medicines began branding their products.
The last stage is considered to commence in late 1990s when branding gained popularity as a significant area of value not only for companies and their products, but also for municipalities, universities, non-for-profit organisations and even for individuals.
Reference:
Daye, D (2006) History of Branding, Branding Startegy Insider [online], retrieved from http://www.brandingstrategyinsider.com/2006/08/history_of_bran.html, [accessed on 17/09/2011].
Firdaus, I. (2011) The History of Branding. Branding history [online], retrieved from http://www.brandinghistory.com/2011/02/the-history-of-branding/, [accessed on 17/09/2011]
The word 'brand' is derived from the Old Norse 'brandr' meaning 'to burn'.
The first mention of branding refer to branding of cattle, livestock, i.e. burning a mark into cattle's skin with thick hides in order to identify ownership. Later, in 1300 BC, special marks were used on pottery and porcelain in China, India, Greece and Rome.
In Medieval Times paper makers used marks as well. In England bread makers goldsmiths and silversmiths were required to put their marks on goods, mainly to ensure honesty in measurements. Even the signatures on paintings of famous artists like Leonardo Da Vinci can be considered as early branding tools.
Between 1600s and 1800s slaves were branded roughly to connote ownership and criminals were branded as a form of punishment and identification.
In early 1800s some fraternities and sororities used to brand their pledges during initiation rites as a form of identification and bonding (abandoned after recognised as hazing). Around the same time period, companies that sell tobacco and patented medicines began branding their products.
The last stage is considered to commence in late 1990s when branding gained popularity as a significant area of value not only for companies and their products, but also for municipalities, universities, non-for-profit organisations and even for individuals.
Reference:
Daye, D (2006) History of Branding, Branding Startegy Insider [online], retrieved from http://www.brandingstrategyinsider.com/2006/08/history_of_bran.html, [accessed on 17/09/2011].
Firdaus, I. (2011) The History of Branding. Branding history [online], retrieved from http://www.brandinghistory.com/2011/02/the-history-of-branding/, [accessed on 17/09/2011]
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