A greeting card is a piece of card stock, usually with an illustration or photo, made of high quality paper featuring an expression of friendship or other sentiment. Although greeting cards are usually given on special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas or other holidays, such as Halloween, they are also sent to convey thanks or express other feelings (such as condolences or best wishes to get well from illness).
Greeting cards are usually packaged using an envelope and come in a variety of styles. There are both mass-produced and handmade versions available and they may be distributed by hundreds of companies large and small. While typically inexpensive, more elaborate cards with die-cuts, pop-ups, sound elements or glued-on decorations may be more expensive.
Hallmark Cards and American Greetings, both U.S.-based companies, are the two largest producers of greeting cards in the world today.
In Western countries and increasingly in other societies, many people traditionally mail seasonally themed cards to their friends and relatives in December. Many service businesses also send cards to their customers in this season, usually with a universally acceptable non-religious message such as "happy holidays" or "season's greetings."
Types
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Greeting card (example)Counter cards: Greeting cards that are sold individually. This contrasts with boxed cards.[1]
citation needed
]. This card style has spread to the US, U.K., India and elsewhere.[citation needed
] In Shark Tank episode 605 in season 11, the startup Lovepop cards founded by Wombi Rose and John Wise appeared with Kirigami art inspired pop up cards and raised $300,000 of funding.[7][8]Printable
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Get Well
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Fabric
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The concept of a khaki fabric card appeared in 1899 during the first Christmas of the Boer War and was issued by a business in Glasgow. In New Zealand, it was not uncommon to receive a khaki greeting card, even the premier, RJ Seddon is said to have received one. An example of a fabric card is held by the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and is a small square of fabric with a heavy fringe created by threads with a hand written greeting. [12]
History
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A get well card from 1949The custom of sending greeting cards can be traced back to the ancient Chinese who exchanged messages of good will to celebrate the New Year, and to the early Egyptians, who conveyed their greetings on papyrus scrolls.[13] By the early 15th century, handmade paper greeting cards were being exchanged in Europe. The Germans are known to have printed New Year's greetings from woodcuts as early as 1400, and handmade paper Valentines were being exchanged in various parts of Europe in the early to mid-15th century, with the oldest Valentine in existence being in the British Museum.[13][14] The card was written to Bonne of Armagnac by her husband, Charles Duke of Orleans, who was imprisoned in the Tower of London at the time. Not surprisingly, its message is rather downbeat. Its opening reads: ‘I am already sick of love / my very gentle Valentine.’[15]
By the 1850s, the greeting card had been transformed from a relatively expensive, handmade and hand-delivered gift to a popular and affordable means of personal communication, due largely to advances in printing, mechanization, and a reduction in postal rates with the introduction of the postage stamp.[16] This was followed by new trends like Christmas cards, the first of which appeared in published form in London in 1843 when Sir Henry Cole hired artist John Calcott Horsley to design a holiday card that he could send to his friends and acquaintances. In the 1860s, companies like Marcus Ward & Co, Charles Goodall & Son, and Charles Bennett began the mass production of greeting cards. They employed well-known artists such as Kate Greenaway and Walter Crane as illustrators and card designers. The extensive Laura Seddon Greeting Card Collection from the Manchester Metropolitan University gathers 32,000 Victorian and Edwardian greeting cards and 450 Valentine's Day cards dating from the early nineteenth century, printed by the major publishers of the day.[17]
Technical developments like color lithography in 1930 propelled the manufactured greeting card industry forward. Humorous greeting cards, known as studio cards, became popular in the late 1940s and 1950s.
In the 1970s, Recycled Paper Greetings, a small company needing to establish a competing identity against the large companies like Hallmark Cards, began publishing humorous, whimsical card designs with the artist's name credited on the back. This was away from what was known as the standard look (sometimes called the Hallmark look.)[citation needed]
During the 1980s, reduced costs of small batch printing and die cutting together with a growing taste for handmade cards made it economically possible for smaller niche companies to set up in competition with the large established brands. Innovative companies such as Nobleworks and Meri Meri[18] grew from their foundation in the 1980s to becoming significant influencers in the industry. A thriving market was established for what were now called "alternative" greeting cards. The name stuck even though these "alternative" cards grew to embrace a vast range of styles and ultimately changed the look of the industry.
The largest recorded number of greeting cards sent to a single person went to Craig Shergold, a beneficiary/victim of chain letters and later chain emails.
Economic effects
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In the United Kingdom, it is estimated that one billion pounds are spent on greeting cards every year, with the average person sending 55 cards per year.[19] In the United States, approximately 6.5 billion greeting cards are bought each year, at a total cost of more than US$7 billion.[1]
In the United States, a counter card typically sells for US$2 to $4.[1] Boxed cards, which are popular for Christmas cards or other times when many cards are sent, tend to cost less.
Greeting Card Association
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The Greeting Card Association is a US trade organization representing the interests of greeting card and stationery manufacturers.[20] John Beeder, former president of the Greeting Card Association, says greeting cards are effective tools to communicate important feelings to people you care about: "Anyone feels great when they receive an unexpected card in the mail. For me, there’s nothing like a greeting card to send a special message. I’m proud to be a part of an industry that not only keeps people connected, but uses both imagery and the power of words to help us express our emotions.”
Louie Awards
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Since 1988, the Greeting Card Association has held an annual award ceremony for the best greetings cards published that year. The awards are called Louies in recognition of Louis Prang, described as the Father of the American Christmas Card.[21]
Postcards
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This section is an excerpt from Postcard
Example of a court card, postmarked 1899, showing Robert Burns and his cottage and monument in AyrA postcard or post card is a piece of thick paper or thin cardboard, typically rectangular, intended for writing and mailing without an envelope. Non-rectangular shapes may also be used but are rare.
In some places, one can send a postcard for a lower fee than a letter. Stamp collectors distinguish between postcards (which require a postage stamp) and postal cards (which have the postage pre-printed on them). While a postcard is usually printed and sold by a private company, individual or organization, a postal card is issued by the relevant postal authority (often with pre-printed postage).[22]
Production of postcards blossomed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.[23] As an easy and quick way for individuals to communicate, they became extremely popular.[23] The study and collecting of postcards is termed deltiology (from Greekdeltion
, small writing tablet, and the also Greek -logy, the study of).[22]Production of postcards blossomed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.As an easy and quick way for individuals to communicate, they became extremely popular.The study and collecting of postcards is termed(from Greek, small writing tablet, and the also Greek, the study of).
See also
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References
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Greeting cards have become a ubiquitous way of expressing sentiments of love, gratitude, and appreciation for special occasions. But what exactly are greeting cards, and how have they evolved over time? In this blog post, we'll explore the definition of greeting cards as we know them today, and delve into their origins dating back to ancient civilizations. By tracing the development of greeting cards, we'll see how they have become a cherished tradition that continues to bring people together in times of joy and celebration.
Today, greeting cards are printed and decorated cards used for a variety of special occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, weddings, and graduations. Cards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they often contain a personalized message or verse.
Greeting cards have a long history dating back to ancient China and Egypt, where people exchanged messages of good will on papyrus scrolls and bamboo slips. In the 1400s, handmade paper greeting cards became popular in Europe, often featuring religious or moral messages. By the mid-1800s, advances in printing technology made it possible to mass-produce greeting cards, and the industry began to take off.
One of the earliest and most successful manufacturers of greeting cards was Louis Prang, a German immigrant who settled in the United States in the 1850s. Prang established a printing company that produced high-quality, artistic cards featuring scenes from nature, holidays, and other themes. These cards became hugely popular and helped to establish the greeting card industry as we know it today.
Over the years, greeting cards have evolved to reflect changes in technology, culture, and society. Today, there are greeting cards for almost every occasion, from birthdays and holidays to weddings and graduations. They come in a wide range of styles, from traditional and sentimental to humorous and irreverent. And with the rise of digital communication, many people now send e-cards and messages through social media instead of traditional paper cards.
Despite these changes, the basic concept of a greeting card remains the same: a simple, heartfelt message of good will that lets someone know you're thinking of them.
From the greeting cards humble beginnings to its current status as a beloved tradition, greeting cards have withstood the test of time and remain a timeless tradition.
Greeting cards have been a part of human culture for centuries. From the ancient Egyptians who exchanged papyrus cards to commemorate special occasions to the modern-day postcards and e-cards, the history of greeting cards is a fascinating one.
The ancient Egyptians are known to have exchanged papyrus cards to mark special occasions. These cards were decorated with drawings and hieroglyphics, and some even featured messages of goodwill. Ancient Chinese, Greek, and Roman cultures also exchanged similar cards, often to celebrate the New Year.
The concept of greeting cards evolved further during the Middle Ages. In the 14th century, the first Valentine’s Day cards were sent. These cards were usually hand-drawn and decorated with intricate illustrations and heartfelt messages. By the 17th century, greeting cards had become commonplace in Europe and had become a popular way to express best wishes at special occasions such as weddings and birthdays.
The invention of the printing press in the 15th century made mass-production of greeting cards possible. By the 19th century, greeting cards had become an industry and were being mass-produced in large quantities. Many of these cards featured hand-painted illustrations and were highly sought after.
Greeting cards continued to gain popularity throughout the 20th century. By the 1950s, the greeting card industry had become a multi-billion-dollar industry. Greeting cards were used to celebrate almost every occasion from birthdays and anniversaries to graduations and holidays. The invention of the internet and the rise of e-cards further increased the popularity of greeting cards and made them accessible to people all over the world.
Today, greeting cards remain as popular as ever. From traditional cards to modern e-cards, the humble greeting card has come a long way since its ancient origins. It continues to provide an easy way for people to express their feelings and show their appreciation for one another.
In the early 2000s, the internet was truly beginning to take off, and the world of greeting cards was no exception. Companies like Hallmark and American Greetings began to offer digital card services, allowing customers to send cards online. This was a revolutionary change, allowing people to send cards to friends and family all around the world, regardless of distance.
Today, digital cards are even more advanced. Companies have developed sophisticated algorithms that allow customers to create personalized cards with just a few clicks. You can customize the font, the design, and even add photos or videos to make the card even more special.
As technology has changed the way we send cards, it has also changed the way we think about the environmental impact of greeting cards. In the past, sending cards meant paper cards that had to be printed, requiring a lot of resources and energy. Today, digital cards can be sent with just a few clicks, drastically reducing the environmental impact of sending cards.
That said, digital cards still have an environmental impact. Computers and servers require energy to run, and paper cards are still being printed and sent in large numbers. Companies are beginning to address this issue by using sustainable and recycled materials for their cards. At the Purple Cauldron we're very conscious of our environmental impact and this drives us to select the most sustainable and environmentally conscious products.
Greeting cards come in many different shapes and sizes. The most common type of card is the traditional paper card. These are usually printed on cardstock, with a variety of designs and styles. They can be blank, or they can come with pre-written messages.
Digital cards are becoming increasingly popular, as they allow you to customize the card with photos, videos, and even music. They can be sent through email or text, or you can use a service like Paperless Post to send them directly to the recipient.
Finally, there are also handmade cards. These are cards that are hand-crafted from paper, fabric, or other materials. They can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, and they can be a great way to show your thoughtfulness and creativity.
Despite the rise of digital cards, paper cards are still very much alive and well. People still love to receive them, and they will continue to be a staple of the greeting card industry. That said, digital cards are becoming increasingly popular, and they are certainly making an impact on the industry.
In the future, it’s likely that digital cards will become even more popular, as technology continues to evolve. That said, paper cards will still be around, and they will likely remain a popular choice for sending special messages to loved ones.
Sending greeting cards is easier than ever! You can choose from a variety of paper cards, digital cards, and even handmade cards. Paper cards are the most traditional option, and they can be purchased online or at your local store. Digital cards can be sent through email or text, or you can use a service like Paperless Post to send them directly to the recipient. Finally, if you’re feeling creative, you can make your own handmade cards.
It's also important to remember that you don’t have to stick to traditional cards. You can also choose to send gifts, flowers, or even a simple postcard. No matter what you choose, sending a card is a great way to show someone you care.
The greeting card has been around for hundreds of years and has evolved greatly over time. From the earliest postcards to the modern greeting cards we know and love today, they have been a way to express love and appreciation to the special people in our lives. Greeting cards are a timeless tradition, and they have the power to bring people closer together, even when they are miles apart.
Greeting cards are a reminder of our humanity, showing us that we share the same feelings of love and gratitude, no matter when or where we come from or what language we speak. They will continue to be a part of our lives as long as there are people to share them with.
The impact of greeting cards is undeniable, and it is up to us to keep this tradition alive. When you give someone a card, you are showing them that you care and that you are thinking of them. Even the smallest gesture of a card can make a world of difference.
So the next time you want to show someone how much you care, why not send them a greeting card? It's a simple way to make someone feel special and to show them that you are thinking of them.
In conclusion, greeting cards are a timeless tradition that will continue to bring us closer together. They are a reminder of our humanity and a way to express our love and appreciation for the special people in our lives. Let us keep this tradition alive by sending cards to those we care about!