Greeting cards are special cards that people use to send messages. They are often used to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or to show love and appreciation. Handwritten greeting cards have a long history and were invented a long time ago.

  • Ancient China: People used scrolls to send greetings during the New Year.
  • Ancient Egypt: Egyptians wrote messages on papyrus, a plant-based paper.
  • Early Europe (1400s): The first handmade cards were made for special occasions like Valentine’s Day.
  • 1843: Sir Henry Cole commissioned the first Christmas card; Horsley designed it.
  • 1850: Esther Howland sold the first Valentine’s Day cards in the United States.
  • Today, greeting cards are still used, and we can also send digital cards online!

The Evolution and Creation of Handwritten Greeting Cards Over Time

Related MCQ’S

1. Who is credited with creating the first Christmas greeting card?

A) Charles Duke of Orleans
B) Sir Henry Cole
C) Esther Howland
D) John Callcott Horsley

Answer: B) Sir Henry Cole

Explanation: Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant, commissioned the first Christmas card in 1843, marking the beginning of mass-produced greeting cards.

2. What was the first known Valentine’s Day card?

A) A love poem by Charles Duke of Orleans
B) A handwritten note by Sir Henry Cole
C) A painting by John Callcott Horsley
D) A poem by Esther Howland

Answer: A) A love poem by Charles Duke of Orleans

Explanation: The first known Valentine’s Day card was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, in 1415 while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.

3. Who was the first person to sell Valentine’s Day cards in the United States?

A) John Callcott Horsley
B) Sir Henry Cole
C) Esther Howland
D) Charles Duke of Orleans

Answer: C) Esther Howland

Explanation: Esther Howland was among the first to publish and sell Valentine cards in the United States in 1850, eventually selling her successful business.

4. What did Sir Henry Cole hire John Callcott Horsley to do in 1843?

A) Create Valentine’s cards
B) Design a Christmas card
C) Create New Year’s cards
D) Print e-cards

Answer: B) Design a Christmas card

Explanation: In 1843, Sir Henry Cole hired John Callcott Horsley to design the first Christmas card, which was lithographed and hand-colored.

5. How did ancient Chinese people share greetings during the New Year?

A) Through painted pictures
B) By giving small gifts
C) By passing around greeting scrolls
D) By writing on papyrus

Answer: C) By passing around greeting scrolls

Explanation: The ancient Chinese would pass around scrolls during the New Year, which were filled with messages of luck and happiness.

6. What is a key feature of modern greeting cards, even in the digital age?

A) They are made of stone
B) They are always sent by the elite
C) They carry heartfelt sentiments
D) They are only used for Christmas

Answer: C) They carry heartfelt sentiments

Explanation: Regardless of format (physical or digital), greeting cards always convey heartfelt emotions, helping people share their feelings and celebrate important moments.

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