National Postcard Day

A young person sitting at a vintage desk, gazing at a postcard from a faraway place, surrounded by travel-themed decor, wearing a bohemian outfit.. — National postcard day illustration

Ah, National Postcard Day! A day that brings nostalgia, creativity, and a touch of snail mail back into our lives. Whether it's a postcard from a loved one, a picturesque landscape, or a cheeky little message, postcards have a special place in our hearts. So let's dive into the fascinating internet history of this delightful day.

When is Postcard Day?

It's national postcard day on the 1st October.

The Internet History of National Postcard Day

Postcards have been around for centuries, allowing people to send brief and colorful messages without the need for a lengthy letter. But when did National Postcard Day enter the digital world?

Our online tracking detected a surge of 9 mentions on October 1, 2020, making it the most talked about date for this special day. It seems like people couldn't contain their excitement and were enthusiastically sharing their postcard experiences.

Now, let's rewind a bit and discover how this lovely day came to be.

Back in the early days of the internet, postcards gained a new digital life. Websites like 'Electronic Postcard' and 'Virtual Postcard Center' sprung up, offering users the ability to create and send digital postcards to friends and family. It was a convenient way to share beautiful images and heartfelt messages, all with just a few clicks.

As the internet evolved, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram became the go-to places for sharing life's highlights. But even with the rise of these platforms, the charm of postcards didn't fade into obscurity. Instead, it found a way to blend the digital world with the physical one.

Enter National Postcard Day, a day that celebrates the joy of sending and receiving postcards. It serves as a reminder that amidst the frenzy of online interactions, a small tangible token of affection can make a big impact.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the world's largest postcard measures a whopping 570 square meters? That's big enough to build a cozy house on! It was created in 2003 in Dubai, UAE, and set the Guinness World Record for its colossal size. Imagine the postage for that one!

History behind the term 'Postcard'

1861

Invention of the first postal card.

In 1861, the first official postal card was introduced in Austria-Hungary. It was a small piece of cardstock with pre-printed postage that could be used to send a message. These early postal cards had a simple design and were primarily used by government agencies.

1870

Popularity of picture postcards.

In the 1870s, picture postcards started gaining popularity. These postcards featured images on the front and a designated space for messages on the back. People began sending picture postcards to share scenic views, landmarks, and notable events with friends and family.

1898

Private companies start producing postcards.

In 1898, private companies started producing postcards for sale. This resulted in a wide variety of postcard designs and themes, ranging from travel destinations to holidays and celebrations. It became a popular medium for communication, preserving memories, and collecting souvenirs.

1907

Divided back postcards are introduced.

In 1907, divided back postcards were introduced in the United States. Before this innovation, only the address was allowed on the back of the postcard, while any message had to be written on the front. Divided back postcards featured a designated space for both the message and the address, making it more convenient for senders.

1918

Golden Age of postcards.

The period between 1910 and 1920 is considered the Golden Age of postcards. During this time, postcards became incredibly popular and were produced in vast quantities. They were used for various purposes, including personal correspondence, advertising, and even propaganda during World War I.

1930s

Linen postcards gain popularity.

In the 1930s, linen postcards became a popular trend. These postcards were printed on a textured paper resembling linen fabric, giving them a unique and distinctive appearance. They featured vibrant colors and vivid illustrations, becoming highly collectible items.

20th century onwards

Continued evolution of postcards.

Since the mid-20th century, postcards have continued to evolve with changing design trends and technological advancements. From retro designs to modern digital postcards, they have remained a cherished way of sharing experiences and sentiments across the globe.