The origin of greeting cards

The tradition of sending greeting cards dates back to ancient China and Egypt, where people exchanged messages of goodwill and celebrated holidays and special occasions with written notes. In the Middle Ages, the custom of exchanging handmade paper cards grew in popularity throughout Europe, particularly during the Christmas season.

The first commercially produced greeting cards were created in the early 15th century in Germany. These cards were designed for the New Year and featured woodcut prints and hand-painted designs. As printing technology improved, mass-produced cards became more affordable and accessible to the general public.

In the mid-19th century, the introduction of the penny post in the United Kingdom made it easier and more affordable to send mail. This led to a surge in popularity of greeting cards, which were used to mark a wide range of occasions, from birthdays and weddings to Valentine’s Day and Easter.

In the United States, the greeting card industry began to take off in the early 20th century, as printing technology improved and mail delivery became more efficient. The first American-made Valentine’s Day card was produced in the mid-1800s, and by the 1920s, the Hallmark company had become a dominant force in the greeting card industry, producing cards for all occasions.

Today, greeting cards are still a popular way to send messages of love, congratulations, sympathy, and other sentiments. They are available in a wide range of designs, styles, and formats, from handmade cards to mass-produced cards featuring photographs, illustrations, and printed messages. Greeting cards can be found in stores, online, and even through mobile apps, making it easier than ever to send a message of goodwill to friends and loved ones.