National Send A Card Day

A person sitting at a desk, surrounded by colorful greeting cards, happily writing a heartfelt message with a pen and a smile.. — National send a card day illustration

Hey there, card enthusiasts! Get ready to celebrate National Send a Card Day, a day dedicated to the wonderful tradition of sending heartfelt messages on a lovely piece of paper. Whether you're professing your love, checking in on a friend, or just brightening someone's day, this national day is all about spreading smiles through snail mail.

When is Send A Card Day?

It's national send a card day on the 7th February.

A Quick Dip into the Internet's Memory Pool

National Send a Card Day has become a significant celebration for many online communities, with 12 mentions detected online. The day received the most attention on February 7, 2020. It's fascinating how this special day has captured the attention of people across the virtual world!

A Touch of History

The origins of National Send a Card Day are a bit mysterious, like finding a card in the mail from a secret admirer. While there is no definitive internet history of when this day started, it's clear that the practice of sending cards has been around for centuries. From handwritten letters delivered by carrier pigeons to the greeting cards we know today, the act of sending messages across distances has always held a special place in our hearts.

Why Send a Card?

Sending a physical card brings a unique touch of warmth and love. In the digital age where quick messages are exchanged through screens and emojis, taking the time to pick out a card, write a personal message, and send it via post is a delightful way to make someone feel cherished. It's like giving them a warm hug or sharing a cup of tea, only in paper form!

Remembering Loved Ones

On National Send a Card Day, many people take the opportunity to remember those who are no longer with us. By sending cards to their memory, they pay tribute and keep their spirit alive. It's a beautiful way to honor cherished memories and keep loved ones close to our hearts.

Tips for Celebrating

Ready to participate in this heartwarming celebration? Here are a few tips to make your National Send a Card Day extra special:

Choose a card that speaks to the recipient's personality or interests. From funny to sentimental, there are cards for every occasion and every person.
Take the time to write a thoughtful message. Share memories, express gratitude, or simply let the person know how much they mean to you. Handwritten words have a powerful impact.
Add a personal touch. Include a drawing, a pressed flower, or a favorite quote. Get creative and make it uniquely yours.
Send the card through traditional mail. Surprise your loved ones with a delightful arrival in their mailbox. It's like receiving a little present just for them.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the largest recorded collection of greeting cards belongs to a woman named Sue Goldstone? She has accumulated over 21,000 greeting cards from around the world! Talk about a truly dedicated card lover!

History behind the term 'Send A Card'

1843

The Birth of the Christmas Card

In the year 1843, the term 'send a card' took on a whole new meaning with the invention of the Christmas card. This significant moment in history occurred in England, when Sir Henry Cole, a civil servant, commissioned the first Christmas card to be illustrated by John Callcott Horsley. The card featured a festive scene of a family gathered around a table, and it was printed in a limited quantity of 1,000 copies, which were sold for one shilling each.

1850s

The Penny Postage System

In the 1850s, the introduction of the Penny Postage system in England revolutionized the way people communicated by mail. This new system, pioneered by Sir Rowland Hill, made it affordable for individuals to send letters and cards anywhere within the country for just one penny. The accessibility and affordability of postage greatly contributed to the rise in popularity of sending cards, including birthday and greeting cards, as it became an easy and convenient way to reach out to loved ones.

1861

The First Valentine's Day Card

The term 'send a card' gained further prominence in the year 1861 with the creation of the first Valentine's Day card. Esther Howland, known as the 'Mother of the American Valentine,' began producing elaborate handcrafted cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and colorful illustrations. These intricate Valentines were immensely popular and were sent by individuals as a gesture of affection on Valentine's Day. The tradition of exchanging Valentine's Day cards spread rapidly, solidifying the practice of 'sending a card' as a way to express love and friendship.

1871

The Invention of the Postcard

In 1871, the term 'send a card' expanded its meaning once again with the invention of the postcard. A German postal official named Heinrich von Stephan introduced the idea of a cost-effective and easily mailable card, which became known as the postcard. This new form of communication quickly gained popularity worldwide as people embraced the convenience of sending short messages and greetings on a standardized card format. Postcards became an affordable and widely used way to keep in touch with loved ones, and 'send a card' evolved to include non-occasion-specific correspondence as well.

20th Century

The Rise of Greeting Card Companies

Throughout the 20th century, the term 'send a card' became closely associated with the greeting card industry. Companies such as Hallmark and American Greetings emerged, offering a vast array of beautifully designed cards for various occasions. These companies popularized the practice of 'sending a card' for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and other special events. They also introduced the concept of using pre-written messages to express sentiments, making it easier for individuals to convey their thoughts and emotions through cards. This shift in the industry further solidified the significance of 'sending a card' as a cultural tradition.