The Christmas family card has been invented by Sir Henry Cole in London in 1843. He commissioned artist, J.C. Horsley, RA, to design the first Christmas family card. However the cost of postage meant that the idea of sending a card as a simple token of friendship at Christmas caught on in succession of the 1860s. Significantly the new 'Christmas' cards had few religious references. Most depicted holly, mistletoe, Santa Claus, bells, ribbons and narrative scenes of snow-clad festivities and children opening their presents were a rather common feature.
In Australia, the same symbolism was in vogue despite the difference in the weather. However in the 1880s Sydney printers -- John Sands and Gibbs, Shallard & Co -- produce 'thoroughly Australian cards'. Although these images of kangaroos, Aborigines and gum trees were popular, European images persisted. Of the five cards one depicts a snow-clad doorway, another a fountain and swallows, a home made one has an American Indian tee-pee and a fir tree, a fourth features chickens and the Chinese card has a lantern supported by a dragon.
Christmas conjures up thoughts and dreams and maybe our reality is going to be a different one this year. Let’s plan a little something special for ourselves and think of new traditions we can start up in our new situation. Check out Christmas Carnivals Christmas Family Cards.
|
