In the 18th and 19th centuries, mourners in the UK—particularly during the Victorian era—were offered a small, solemn token at funerals: funeral biscuits. These biscuits, or other baked goods, were given to guests as both refreshment and remembrance. Each packet was wrapped in paper or parchment and sealed with black sealing wax. 

If you’re curious to see these treats brought to life, Max Miller’s wonderful episode of Tasting History explores their story in depth, showcasing how food and ritual evolved and intertwined in Victorian grief, and commerce(!) traditions.

From Mourning to Memory

For Victorians, rituals around death were highly codified. Funeral biscuits weren’t simply dessert; they were mementos. The black wax seal ensured the package was both secure and offered more symbolism. In some instances, the biscuits themselves were stamped with crosses, coffins, or skulls, making them edible echoes of mortality.

A Modern Twist: The Macabre Made Playful

Though this practice has somewhat faded, it’s a tradition worth revisiting, especially for those of us who enjoy a touch of the macabre. In the U.S., we could easily find a place in our own seasonal rituals. Imagine:

🎃 Halloween Treats with a Gothic Flair – Bake spiced shortbread or molasses cookies, or gather candies, wrap them in parchment, and seal them with black wax. Add motifs like bats, ravens, or skulls to the wax impressions for extra atmosphere.

💀 Day of the Dead Inspiration – Adapt the idea into sugar cookies decorated with skulls, sealing them with wax stamps as part of a remembrance table.
Link to our Sugar Skull Stamps: Here

🦇 Macabre Party Favors – Send guests home from a Halloween gathering with their own “funeral” packets. The black wax seal transforms a simple cookie or candy bag into a take-home treat.

We love discovering historical uses for sealing wax—especially when they tell such vivid stories. This use reminds us that a seal is more than decoration; it’s symbolism made tangible. Black wax in particular carries drama and weight, making it perfect for honoring tradition—or for embracing the mysterious fun of Halloween.

So, whether you’re a history buff, a Gothic or Halloween enthusiast, or simply someone who loves to mix the sweet with the symbolic, why not revive the funeral biscuit? Bake a batch, seal them with black wax and a symbolic design, and give your guests a taste of Victorian history, with a spooky seasonal twist.

Here is the 1845 recipe Max Miller featured on both his episode and blog - be sure to read user comments on his blog, there are some great tips from other readers who made this recipe themselves.