User:Stayinthegoodbooks

A short history of greetings cards

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Greeting cards may have started out as simple slips of papyrus, that were exchanged by both the Egyptians and Chinese as messages of goodwill. As the concept of greeting cards evolved, Europeans began to send them to one another for holidays such as Valentine's Day – and this occurred as early as the 1400's. Of course, these cards were handmade and expensive so not everyone could afford to send greeting cards for their holiday well-wishes. Greeting cards really hit the mainstream in the 1850's, when commercial printing as well as the invention of the postage stamp started to allow people all over the world to send greeting cards to their loved ones. Now, greeting cards are a billion dollar business, with people purchasing and sending cards for holidays including religious celebrations, birthdays, and even just as a simple thank you or gesture of love. The two largest greeting card companies, Hallmark and American Greetings, offer cards that are perfect for any occasion, with themes and illustrations that are great for all tastes. Of course, you don't need to buy your greeting cards in stores anymore and more and more people are opting to go online and send real greetings cards to online friends and family. Companies like stayinthegoodbooks.com use artists and design houses to make greetings cards and wedding invitations that suit the lifestyles of today. Greeting cards have evolved from an item used only by the rich to an everyday tradition. Whether you want to communicate with far-off relatives, or just let your sweetie know how much you love them – greeting cards make a great (and inexpensive) way to brighten up someone's day! Invitations and corporate event cards have come a long way since the days of papyrus.