The History Of Birthday Cards Why We Send Them?

The History of Birthday Cards: Who Invented Them?

Birthday cards have become a staple of birthday celebrations around the world, offering a way to express our love, gratitude, and best wishes to friends and family. But have you ever wondered who invented birthday cards and how they became such an essential part of our lives? Let’s dive into the history of birthday cards to uncover their origins.

The Early Beginnings

The concept of sending greetings to mark special occasions dates back thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians are known to have exchanged messages of goodwill, though these were more often inscribed on papyrus scrolls rather than the paper cards we recognize today. Similarly, the Chinese and other early cultures sent New Year’s greetings on decorated pieces of paper.

The First Commercial Greeting Cards

The modern practice of sending greeting cards began in the 15th century in Europe, particularly in Germany. These early cards were handmade, often elaborately decorated with drawings, paintings, or printed images, and were primarily used for New Year’s greetings.

The turning point came in the mid-19th century with the advent of the printing press and advancements in colour printing technology. This made the mass production of greeting cards possible, making them more affordable and accessible to the general public.

The Birth of Birthday Cards

While New Year’s and Christmas cards became popular in the early 19th century, birthday cards specifically became widely recognized later. In 1843, Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant, and inventor, is credited with commissioning the first commercial Christmas card. This innovation paved the way for other occasion-specific cards, including birthday cards.

By the late 19th century, birthday cards began to appear in the market, and by the early 20th century, they had become a popular way to mark the special occasion of a birthday. The cards often featured simple messages of good wishes, accompanied by images of flowers, cakes, or other celebratory symbols.

The Evolution of Birthday Cards

As the 20th century progressed, birthday cards evolved to include a wider range of designs, sentiments, and humour. The introduction of personalised birthday cards allowed for even more customized and meaningful greetings, making the exchange of birthday cards a more personal experience.

Today, birthday cards come in countless styles, from traditional and heartfelt to funny and even digital e-cards, reflecting the diversity of our relationships and the ways we celebrate.

Conclusion

While it’s difficult to pinpoint a single inventor of the birthday card, the tradition as we know it today has roots in the broader history of greeting cards that began centuries ago. Thanks to the advancements in printing technology and the creativity of early pioneers like Sir Henry Cole, birthday cards have become an enduring way to celebrate the special people in our lives. So the next time you send or receive a birthday card, you’re taking part in a rich tradition that has been bringing joy for generations.

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