The Bee’s Knees: Greeting Cards

Greeting cards have been a tradition for generations. Different designs and branches of greeting cards have come out, from photos to musical to popup… I could probably write a book on all of the variations.

When did this trend start? Was it a Victorian craze that lasted? Would the characters of A Christmas Carol have given and received Christmas cards themselves? Yes, as it would turn out. The card you see on the right is the oldest known mass-produced greeting card, dating back to 1843 in England. Each card was hand colored, and there were spaces for a to and from on it. This particular card caused a bit of a controversy in some places because the picture includes a young child drinking wine, though the Christmas spirit easily predominates.

Today greeting cards have taken on countless new faces and looks. This one by Keep In Touch Stationary Co. features a photograph on the outside for a more personal touch, and the card below, from Alibaba.com, is one of the many popup varieties. This is definitely a tradition worth passing on.

And that’s the bee’s knees for this week! Please join me next Friday for another way people blend words and pictures to create all-new forms of holiday art. In the meantime, feel free to tell me in the comments section if there’s something you know of I should write about. What’s your favorite kind of greeting card?