Printable Birthday Cards To Color

Nowadays, sending a birthday message on Instagram or Whatsapp may appear to be a more convenient alternative than sending a tangible greeting card to a loved one, but by doing so, you may accidentally overlook the point of the message. This does not, however, imply that you should send an impersonal e-card to your family or friends.

Even if you receive a Facebook notice reminding you of their birthday, you should strive to stay ahead of the game by sending them a real card. When you buy a card, it demonstrates that you have thought about that person, giving attention to the card's aesthetic and content. With so many various card styles available, there is likely to be one that fits them well.

Why Do We Still Give Birthday Cards?

Birthday cards are given to celebrate someone's birthday and convey well wishes and heartfelt sentiments. Here are a few reasons why we give birthday cards:

Expressing love and care

Birthday cards provide an opportunity to express love, care, and affection towards the person celebrating their birthday. They serve as a tangible expression of emotions and show that you took the time to select a card specifically for them.

Personal touch

A birthday card allows you to add a personal touch to your wishes. You can write a heartfelt message, share memories, or include inside jokes that are meaningful to the recipient. This personalization makes the card more special and unique.

Tradition and celebration

Giving birthday cards is deeply rooted in the tradition of celebrating birthdays. It is a customary gesture to honor and acknowledge the person on their special day. The act of giving a physical card adds to the overall celebration and creates a tangible keepsake.

Surprise and joy

Receiving a birthday card can be a delightful surprise for the recipient. Opening a card and reading the well wishes can bring joy and happiness, making the recipient feel loved and appreciated on their birthday.

Long-lasting keepsake

Birthday cards can serve as a lasting memento. People often keep birthday cards to revisit the messages and memories associated with them. The cards can be cherished and serve as a reminder of the relationships and connections shared with loved ones over the years.

Cultural and social norms

In many cultures, giving birthday cards is considered a customary practice. It is a way to adhere to social norms and show respect for the occasion. It is also a way to participate in the broader cultural tradition of exchanging birthday greetings.

Cards keep us connected, foster connections, and celebrate birthdays. When we are unable to be physically there with our loved ones, a greeting card may bring us much comfort and joy. It's simple to send a text message, but nothing matches that perfect, handmade card you meticulously selected specifically for them. A tiny gesture that will always make them feel appreciated and thought about, while a typical email does not.

What is the History of Birthday Cards?

Greeting cards have been used since ancient Chinese and Egyptian times to offer good wishes to those around them. With greeting cards in China being handwritten wishes on a papyrus roll and Egyptian wishes on a papyrus roll, the custom spread throughout the countries.

It was the first means to celebrate an occasion before presents were provided, beginning with a New Year's card and progressing through Easter, Valentine's, and birthdays. This new manner of commemorating major anniversaries arrived in Europe in the early 15th century and quickly evolved into what it is today.

Ancient and Medieval Times: In ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Greeks, the birthdays of gods, goddesses, and rulers were celebrated with offerings, prayers, and feasts. However, the concept of personal birthday greetings or cards, as we know them today, did not exist during this time.

During the Middle Ages, it became popular to celebrate the birthdays of saints. However, it was not until the 15th century that the first known birthday card was recorded.

Early Birthday Cards. The earliest known birthday card dates back to 1415 and was handmade for King Henry V of England by a hand-painted manuscript. The card was adorned with illustrations and intricately designed.

18th and 19th Centuries. During the 18th century, the custom of exchanging small, printed cards with verses or poems became more common. These early birthday cards were usually hand-delivered or sent by mail. However, they were expensive and primarily accessible to the wealthy.

The introduction of the penny post in the mid-19th century, which made sending mail more affordable, contributed to the rise in the popularity of birthday cards among a wider range of people. The advancements in printing technology also made it easier and cheaper to produce cards.

Mass Production and Commercialization. The late 19th century saw the emergence of commercial birthday cards. Greeting card companies, such as Hallmark, began mass-producing birthday cards with printed designs, verses, and messages. This made birthday cards more accessible and affordable for the general public.

20th Century and Beyond. In the 20th century, birthday cards continued to grow in popularity. They became a significant part of birthday celebrations, particularly in Western cultures. The designs and styles of birthday cards are diversified, offering a wide range of options to suit different tastes and preferences.

With the advent of digital technology and the rise of the internet, e-cards and online greetings became popular alternatives to physical birthday cards. Digital platforms and social media now provide convenient ways to send birthday wishes and greetings instantly.

Despite the digital age, physical birthday cards have retained their significance and continue to be exchanged as tangible expressions of love, care, and celebration. The history of birthday cards showcases how they have evolved from rare, handmade tokens to widely available and diverse expressions of birthday greetings and well wishes.