Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Christmas Traditions Trivia Series: Christmas Cards


Continuing my Christmas Tradition series, today we will look at the history behind Christmas greeting cards.

Christmas Vintage Ice Skating

Greeting cards were originally created by the Chinese celebrating the New Year.  In those ancient times, they were sent primarily by the ruling classes.  Later, ancient Egyptians also sent greeting cards.

A postal service called the Penny Post began in London, England in 1680.  It was affordable enough that ordinary people could send mail within 10 miles of the city.  The Penny Post was highly successful and the idea caught on. 

OldDesignShop_HorseCarriageChristmasCard  

In the US, Benjamin Franklin initiated the forerunner of the US Postal Service in 1792.  Before long, postal delivery became widespread, making it possible for people to send cards and letters worldwide.

1904 postal angel

With the postal services in place, the first commercially available Christmas cards were commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in 1843. 

375px-Henry_Cole_Vanity_Fair_19_August_1871

Cole’s credentials included writing children's books, designing the world’s first stamp, inventing a prize winning teapot, and he was the founder of the Victoria and Albert museum in London.  If you’re not familiar with his name, you may recognize him by his nickname – “Old King Cole,” as he was affectionately called.

The designer of this first American Christmas card was John Callcot Horsley.  Below is what the card looked like, and it was met with a bit of controversy because of the young child sipping wine.  

99943-004-B3D19C4B

Printing methods improved, and Louis Prang from Germany became known as “the father of the American Christmas Card” as he began massively producing and selling Christmas greetings in the US in the mid 1870’s. 

Christmas greetings became more common by this point, and provided ample opportunity for artists, writers, printers, and engravers. 

The following cards are by Kate Greenaway, a famous children’s book illustrator.  She began her career designing Christmas, New Year, and Valentine cards. 

Where are you going, my pretty maid? 

Prithee little maiden!

Home for the Holidays

A Happy Christmas. Victorian greetings card (1881)

Aren’t they sweet!  I love her artwork!

Well, thank you for joining me today as we take a look at the tradition of sending Christmas greetings.  Will you also join me in prayer this week for those that are in need of knowing Jesus as their Savior?  Let’s pray that they will be drawn to Him this Christmas Season, realize their need, and respond to His calling.

Signature red

border_7958c

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

A very lovely post...Yes, I will join you this week in prayer for people to come to Jesus Christ our Saviour during this wonderful Christmas season. That is my goal, too, on my blog with my post of 31 Days Celebrating the Love of Christ.

:)Hope

Billie Jo said...

My friend...
I do enjoy visiting here with you.
It is always so cozy, like I'm visiting with an old friend.
Wait, I am!!!

Anonymous said...

I love Victorian postcards but I will say that (old king) Cole looks a little scary to me!

Have a lovely evening!

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

So good of you to share with us. Christmas blessings!
Laura
Harvest Lane Cottage

Stephanie said...

Have I told you lately how much I enjoy visiting your sweet blog? It is always so peaceful and enjoyable to pull up your page and scroll through your posts. This was another fascinating post and I thoroughly enjoyed the history :)

Thank you for taking the time to share with us. May you have a very Merry Christmas, dear friend! Much love and big hugs!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...