The Christmas season is an era full of traditions and change, which is not least reflected 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 beginnings of the Christmas card go back and reflect 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 not only reflects 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 the emerging consumption was reflected 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.
Modern Christmas card in a reduced flat design
In the mirror of social trends
The Christmas card is not only a mirror 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 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, she has not only changed externally; It is a reflection of society and its values, a small but important 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 conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.
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