The Christmas season is an era full of traditions and change, which is reflected not least in the design of Christmas cards .
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 origins of the Christmas card reach far back in time and reflect a fascinating history of society and its customs. What began as simple, handcrafted messages has evolved into a globally exchanged symbol of festivity and joy.
This development reflects 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, design approaches experienced a new golden age. The influence of emerging consumerism was reflected in magnificent motifs, often perceived as kitschy.
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.
Modern Christmas card in a reduced flat design
Reflecting societal trends
The Christmas card is not only a reflection of aesthetic trends, but also of the social and cultural developments of the time. It has constantly reinvented itself by addressing and processing current issues.
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 motifs have also reflected a societal shift. Cards with ecological messages , made from recycled materials, or digitally sent greetings reflect 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, it has not only changed outwardly; it is a reflection of society and its values, a small but significant cultural asset that tells new stories every year and carries festive traditions into the future.
Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza. Publicist, editor, and passionate blogger in the field of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Successful completion of a degree in web design as part of a university program (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expressive painting, and theater/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.
We use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. We do this to improve the browsing experience and to show (non) personalized ads. If you agree to these technologies, we can process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this website. Not consenting or withdrawing consent may negatively impact certain features and functions.
Funktionale
Immer aktiv
Die technische Speicherung oder der Zugang ist unbedingt erforderlich für den rechtmäßigen Zweck, die Nutzung eines bestimmten Dienstes zu ermöglichen, der vom Teilnehmer oder Nutzer ausdrücklich gewünscht wird, oder für den alleinigen Zweck, die Übertragung einer Nachricht über ein elektronisches Kommunikationsnetz durchzuführen.
Vorlieben
Die technische Speicherung oder der Zugriff ist für den rechtmäßigen Zweck der Speicherung von Präferenzen erforderlich, die nicht vom Abonnenten oder Benutzer angefordert wurden.
Statistiken
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance by your internet service provider, or additional records from a third party, the information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Manage {vendor_count}-suppliers
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles, to send advertising or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
