What Is the Origin of Birthday Cards?
Historians trace the practice of sending good wishes to the ancient Chinese practice of sending New Year cards. We all give and receive birthday cards to friends and family. While we usually don't think about the origins of this practice when we celebrate a birthday, it is a relatively new practice in the time line of human history.
Other People Are Reading
-
Origin
-
Birthday celebrations began around the time the calendar was invented, but were initially only for prominent or wealthy people. In the mid-1800s, exchanging birthday greetings became a common practice. The practice originated in England.
Growing Acceptance
-
Birthday cards became a more common form of expression after 1840, when the first postage stamp was issued. Then, when the printing process became more economical in the 1850s, the practice of sending birthday cards became less expensive and more popular.
-
Fun Facts
-
In ancient times, people feared evil spirits and thought they were especially harmful to someone when he experienced a change in life, such as growing a year older. Because of this superstition, friends and family would help a person celebrate his birthday with good wishes to ward off the evil spirits.
Historians believe that the Germans began the practice of having birthday parties for children.
-
References
- Photo Credit Happy Birthday Card. image by Trish from Fotolia.com
