by Betty Carew

Created on: January 18, 2009

The actual origin of birthday cards is unknown but what is known is they were used in England more than a century ago. It is thought that the first birthday cards were in the form of a note of apology for not being there on the person's special day. We don't know who sent the first birthday card or who it was sent to. Today the birthday card usually holds a message of joy and best wishes. We know today is that the birthday card has become a very important part of our society and one that will not fade anytime in the future.

The first birthday cards that were sent a century ago would never mention the persons age, it would not have contained a verse but a handwritten message. Birthday cards now fall into the category of greetings and we know that greeting cards were sent out all the way back to ancient China, they would usually be sent out for New Year greetings, they did not know then that China would become the largest manufacturer of birthday cards in the world. It is known that as far back as the 1400's Europeans exchanged cards of greetings, these were usually homemade but soon became a tradition.

Regardless of how birthday cards originated it has grown into a very profitable industry for companies such as Hallmark. Today you can choose from any type of card you want with thousands of different verses to display what you want to say. You can find cards to suit any gender, taste or age range. Gone are the days when age is not disclosed on the card. A birthday card can be witty and funny or as serious as you want to get. There are cards that are made for each member of the family or friends. It can be a card that is small with just "Happy Birthday" written on it or the jumbo cards that come with multiple verses.

Today the internet provides us with the ease of going to e-card sites where we can send just the right birthday card to friends and family alike. There are thousands of cards to choose from. However if you want to stay with actually purchasing a card and sending a birthday card there is something important to remember such as mailing the card in plenty of time making sure the receiver gets it before or on their birthday.

The birthday card now brings joy and happiness all over the world. It wasn't known in ancient China or in England just how popular and everlasting this trend would become. Birthday cards have become an integral part of our society and there are many people during the year that are overjoyed when they receive one and many that are greatly disappointed when they don't.

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