Question

How was the first christmas card developed, when and why?

Answer 1

Ответ:

The custom of sending Christmas cards was started in the UK in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole. He was a senior civil servant (Government worker) who had helped set-up the new 'Public Record Office' (now called the Post Office), where he was an Assistant Keeper, and wondered how it could be used more by ordinary people.Sir Henry had the idea of Christmas Cards with his friend John Horsley, who was an artist. They designed the first card and sold them for 1 shilling each. (That is only 5p or 8 cents today(!), but in those days it was worth much much more.) The card had three panels. The outer two panels showed people caring for the poor and in the center panel was a family having a large Christmas dinner! Some people didn't like the card because it showed a child being given a glass of wine! About 1000 (or it might have been less!) were printed and sold. They are now very rare and cost thousands of Pounds or Dollars to buy now! The original cards were advertised with the slogan: "Just published, a Christmas Congratulations Card; or picture emblematical of old English festivity to perpetuate kind recollections between dear friends"!The first postal service that ordinary people could use was started in 1840 when the first 'Penny Post' public postal deliveries began (Sir Henry Cole helped to introduce the Penny Post). Before that, only very rich people could afford to send anything in the post. The new Post Office was able to offer a Penny stamp because new railways were being built. These could carry much more post than the horse and carriage that had been used before. Also, trains could go a lot faster. Cards became even more popular in the UK when they could be posted in an unsealed envelope for one halfpenny - half the price of an ordinary letter.

Answer 2

The first Christmas card was developed in the early 19th century. It was created by Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant and inventor, in 1843. Cole commissioned an artist named John Calcott Horsley to design the card. The card depicted a festive scene with people enjoying a Christmas celebration and included the phrase "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You."

The reason behind the creation of the first Christmas card was to simplify the process of sending holiday greetings to friends and family. At the time, it was common for people to send handwritten letters to express their Christmas wishes, but this could be time-consuming and impractical, especially for individuals with a large circle of acquaintances.

Cole came up with the idea of a printed card that could be mass-produced and sent to multiple recipients. The design by Horsley was printed on a lithographic press, and around 1,000 copies of the card were produced. Cole used some of the cards for personal purposes, while others were sold for one shilling each, making them accessible to a broader audience.

Although the card stirred some controversy due to its depiction of people drinking alcohol, it marked the beginning of a popular tradition. The concept of sending Christmas cards quickly gained popularity in Britain and later spread to other countries, becoming a widespread practice during the holiday season.

The invention of the Christmas card not only made it easier for people to send their holiday greetings but also contributed to the commercialization of Christmas celebrations. Over time, the tradition evolved, and Christmas cards began featuring various designs, religious or secular themes, and personalized messages. Today, exchanging Christmas cards remains a cherished tradition for many people around the world during the holiday season.