History of Christmas Cards Discover the Christmas customs, stories, myths and legends associated with the History of Christmas Cards and New Year Cards. This festive tradition and Christmas custom has evolved over time. But what is the origin of History of Christmas Cards? This article provides facts and information about the History of Christmas Cards as a familiar symbol, tradition and Christmas custom.
History of of Christmas Cards - Timeline The Christmas Custom and history of sending Christmas Cards was made possible by the 1840 British penny post. The invention of the steam press made them an inexpensive item. Prior to this time festive messages were sent via letters and general correspondence. The history and popularity of sending Xmas cards was influenced and made possible by the following factors:
History Timeline
1840 British penny post
1843 - The steam powered rotary printing press was invented in in the United States by Richard M. Hoe which allowed for millions of copies of History of Christmas Cards to be produced in a single day
1843 - The oldest Christmas card, now in the British Museum, created for general distribution was designed by William Egley Jr.
1843 - First Xmas cards were printed in London. The card was designed by John Calcott Horsley of the Royal Academy for Sir Henry Cole and were sold at Felix Summerly's Home Treasury Office
The greeting was "A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You."
1845 - Christmas cards first mailed in England by W.C. Dobson
1846 - Xmas cards first mailed in US
1865 - Louis Prang manufactured Xmas Cards for the European market
Development of US Postal service
1855 - it became compulsory for the sender to pay the postage
1858 - collection boxes began appearing in larger cities
1890 - many post offices had free city delivery
1900's - The post office began free rural delivery
1875 - Louis Prang manufactured Xmas Cards for the US market
History Timeline
The History of Christmas Cards - The Merry Christmas Salutation The history of the familiar phrase of "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" can be dated back to old letters from the 1600's. The word 'Merry' is of English origin. The term 'Merry' was replaced by another form of this greeting, especially in the U.K. and other commonwealth countries. The greeting on cards was changed to 'Happy Christmas'. The reason for this is that the term 'Merry' is British slang for being drunk so "Merry" was changed to "Happy". This is born out in the famous poem 'Twas the Night before Christmas' by Clement Clarke Moore the last words of the poem are as follows:
"...Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
History of Christmas Cards Christmas is celebrated worldwide, throughout the Christian population of approximately 2275 million people, but is also celebrated by many non-Christians as a secular, cultural festival. A Christmas custom or tradition is symbolized by a familiar symbol or icon, such as Christmas Cards, have come to represent the spirit and meaning of this special time of the year, the history of this icon is fascinating.
History of Christmas Cards
History of Christmas Cards
The history, meaning and origin of this familiar symbol - cards
Old Customs, Symbols and Traditions and history cards
Meaning and origin of this traditional Christmas custom
History, Facts and information about customs, symbols and traditions of cards
History and origin of traditional symbols - cards
History of Christmas Cards
History of Christmas Cards
"Merry Christmas, have a happy and prosperous New Year!"
