Card Reading Day

Card Reading Day on February 21 is a heartfelt occasion where we take a moment to cherish the greeting cards we’ve received over the years. There’s something truly special about wandering through the rows of cards, picking out just the right one to convey our emotions to someone dear. These cards hold sentimental value, often becoming keepsakes for the memories they evoke.

The Origins of Card Reading Day

In Ancient Egypt, people exchanged greetings through inscriptions, a practice that evolved by the 15th century into wooden engravings for events such as Christmas or New Year’s. However, it wasn’t until the 1400s, with the tradition of Valentine’s Day, that greeting cards began to take shape. The introduction of postage stamps in England in 1840 led to a surge in Valentine’s Day mail. Fast forward to 1843, John Callcott Horsley crafted the first Christmas card. Between the 1830s and the Civil War, sentiment cards were quite popular in the United States. By the 1860s, greeting cards were being commercially produced and gained widespread popularity. Production dipped in the 1890s, with Germany leading the market until WW1, at which point the U.S. emerged as a key player in the greeting card industry. Hallmark, known for its innovative card production and quality, became a global household name. Today, the U.S. sees more people exchanging greeting cards than any other nation. While eCards and social media greetings have grown, physical cards remain beloved. Christmas cards top the seasonal category, and birthday cards are the most common everyday choice. Both stationery and eCard companies actively promote sending cards on Card Reading Day.

Timeline of Card Reading Day

• 1800s: Valentine’s cards become both affordable and popular.
• 1875: Prang introduces its inaugural line of Christmas cards in the U.S.
• 1910: Joyce Hall establishes Hallmark, now the largest and oldest manufacturer of greeting cards.
• 2010s: Greeting cards continue to hold strong, with seven billion cards purchased annually in the U.S.

Why do greeting cards matter?

Greeting cards are timeless pieces, artfully capturing and expressing emotions with visuals and words. They are a conduit for heartfelt connections, be it to say thanks, apologize, or express admiration.

When did greeting cards start?

The tradition of exchanging greeting cards traces back to the ancient Chinese and Egyptians.

Are greeting cards still relevant?

Absolutely. Greeting cards maintain their relevance, preserving sentiments and memories for many years.

Activities on Card Reading Day

• Revisit your old cards: As the holiday implies, take out your old greeting cards and give them a read. You’ll find yourself both laughing and crying, grateful for these cherished memories.
• Send a card: Brighten someone’s day by sending a card to a loved one or someone you appreciate.
• Share socially: Post your greeting cards on social media and inspire others to do the same, keeping this treasured tradition alive!

5 Fun Facts About Greeting Cards

1. A card for everything: There are cards suited for every occasion, relationship, age group, and gender.
2. Card-giving remains popular: Ninety percent of U.S. households purchase at least one greeting card annually.
3. Cards received: On average, a person receives more than 20 cards each year.
4. Receiving cards is loved: Nine out of ten Americans look forward to getting greeting cards.
5. Growing publishers: The U.S. is home to over 3,000 greeting card publishers, from small ventures to major corporations.

Why We Cherish Card Reading Day

• Sentimental Value: We treasure greeting cards for their personal touch, as they capture the handwriting and thoughts of our loved ones, marking a moment in time.
• Keeping Tradition Alive: Card Reading Day inspires us to continue the tradition of sending cards, a refreshing break from instant digital messages.
• Nurturing Relationships: Beyond the cards themselves, it’s about the sender and receiver, fostering beautiful bonds and reminding people of their importance in our lives.

Card Reading Day Dates

• 2025: February 21 (Friday)
• 2026: February 21 (Saturday)
• 2027: February 21 (Sunday)
• 2028: February 21 (Monday)
• 2029: February 21 (Wednesday)

Discover more about Card Reading Day and the joy of greeting cards at Find No More.

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