Greeting Cards

In this episode of 'Stuff You Missed in History Class,' hosts Holly Frey and Tracy V. Wilson explore the surprisingly rich and global history of greeting cards, beginning with ancient symbols of goodwill like Egyptian scarabs and Chinese wooden greeting tablets. The discussion traces the evolution of these tokens from sacred amulets and formal diplomatic missives to the printed cards of medieval Europe, including the earliest known Valentine’s card written by Charles I, Duke d'Orléans, in 1415. The episode highlights pivotal moments in the development of modern greeting cards, such as Henry Cole’s 1843 Christmas card in England, which revolutionized holiday correspondence, and Esther Howland’s pioneering Valentine card business in the U.S., where she created the first American assembly line for card production. The narrative continues through the innovations of Louis Prong, who used chromolithography to produce vibrant, mass-produced Christmas cards, and the rise of Hallmark, which transformed the industry with folded cards and celebrity artists like Salvador Dalí and Norman Rockwell. The episode concludes with a reflection on the modern greeting card landscape, noting a resurgence in popularity driven by millennials and Gen Z, the impact of the pandemic, and the diversification of themes—from Galentine’s Day to cards for sobriety and grief—showcasing the enduring emotional power of physical, handwritten messages in a digital age.