The evolution of the Christmas card: a festive review

The Christmas season is an era full of traditions and change, which is not least in the design of Christmas cards against mirrors t.

From hand -drawn motifs to digital creations, it has always developed and recorded the cultural and technological progress of each era.

Historical roots and early design

The beginnings of the Christmas card go far back and mirrors n a fascinating history of society and its customs. What started as a simple handmade messages has developed into a symbol of festivities and joy that was exchanged worldwide.

This development mirrors not only aesthetic, but also socio -cultural changes.

The beginnings in the 19th century

Her tradition as an ambassador for festive greetings started in the Victorian era . The first copies, often handmade and provided with fine illustrations , were precious gifts that were only accessible to one exclusive circle.

Henry Cole would not have dreamed of the winning train of the Christmas card and today's variety in designs and illustrations when he commissioned the first Christmas card on December 5, 1843.

Cole, co -founder of the world -famous Victoria and Albert Museum in London, was a Victorian universal scholar. When the time was too short for him in the run -up to the festive season to delight all his friends and colleagues with individual Christmas messages, he hired the illustrator John Calcott Horsley to design a greeting card ( Deutschlandfunk reported).

According to his ideas, this should be easily reproduced and can be quickly dedicated and signed. The first Christmas card in the form as we know it today was born.

It was small works of art that were decorated with Christmas motifs such as snow landscapes, fir branches and sacred scenes.

Mass production and industrial revolution

Christmas card changed increasingly. Colored prints, initially made in elaborate lithography methods , allowed a wide spread of Christmas greetings.

Santa Clauses, angels and Christmas tree decorations now adorned the cards and became the epitome of the festive post.

Design revolutions in the 20th and 21st century

Over time, the design of the festive cards has gone through striking changes, which went hand in hand with the artistic currents and the technical possibilities of each era.

Especially in the 20th century, a rapid rethink began, which significantly shaped the appearance of the Christmas cards.

These changes offer an insightful insight into the changing preferences and technological progress.

From kitsch to art: the middle of the 20th century

After the turmoil of the Second World War, the design approaches experienced a new heyday. The influence of mirrors 's emerging consumption is opposed to motives in magnificent and often perceived motifs.

But at the same time, artists and designers also began to discover them as a suitable medium and left their traces with stylish and often minimalist designs .

The digital revolution and personal design

With the progress of digital technology in the transition to the 21st century, completely new dimensions opened up. Suddenly it was possible to provide Christmas cards with personal photos and order individual designs.

Graphic design software brought a diversification that ranged from humorous cartoon to elegant, reduced design.

In Mirrors 's social trends

The Christmas card is not only a Mirrors of the aesthetic trends, but also reflects the social and cultural developments of the time. She has kept reinventing herself by taking up and processing current topics.

In recent times, this manifests itself in the increasing importance of sustainability and social responsibility .

Reflection of social and ecological change of consciousness

In recent decades, the motives have also become a social change. Cards with ecological messages , made from recycled materials or digitally sent greetings mirrors n a growing environmental awareness.

The selection of designs and messages is expressed by individual values ​​and social engagement.

The future

Even today, the well -known map faces new developments in front of the threshold. Augmented reality and digital platforms could revolutionize the way in which festive greetings are transmitted.

But despite all the innovation, one thing remains the same: the Christmas card is a sign of connection , a sparkling star in hectic everyday life that lives on for a moment and brings warmth and closeness to the heart.

In this sense, she has not only changed externally; She is a Mirrors picture of society and its values, a small but important cultural asset that tells new stories every year and carries festive traditions into the future.