Signed, Sealed and Still Loved

Even in this digital age, most people prefer to send and receive traditional birthday and holiday cards. The greeting card tradition spans thousands of years and is filled with moments that shape how we connect today. So when you send a card to celebrate National Greeting Card Day in April, think about these fascinating facts.

• Ancient Chinese cultures exchanged goodwill greetings for the New Year.
• Early Egyptians shared messages on papyrus scrolls.
• It's believed the first Valentine card was sent in 1415 by the Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.
• The first commercial holiday card was commissioned in London in 1843.
• The U.S. greeting card industry began in 1856 when German immigrant Louis Prang opened a lithographic business.
• Approximately 6.5 billion cards are bought each year in the U.S.