The origin of greeting cards - Guangdong Gumo Crafts Technology Co., Ltd.
Greeting cards were born out of the need for human socialization. It is a kind of emotional exchange between people, and this kind of exchange is often expressed in short sentences, at a glance is also concise and concise. Over time, the congratulatory words have appeared stylized, paying attention to festivity, sending auspicious words to each other, conveying people's expectations for life and vision for the future. This tradition has evolved through centuries, from ancient paper forms to modern wooden greeting cards that combine craftsmanship with emotional expression.
The Historical Evolution
The journey of greeting cards spans millennia, with each era contributing unique elements to their development. What began as simple messages of goodwill has transformed into an art form that preserves cultural heritage while adapting to contemporary tastes. At Guangdong Gumo Crafts Technology Co., Ltd., we honor this rich history through our wooden card collections that bridge traditional craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities.
Ancient Chinese Origins
In traditional Chinese culture, there is a great emphasis on "rites," which used to be the essence of Chinese culture. Many elements of etiquette are expressed in form, such as greeting cards. Sending greeting cards before personal events or public holidays is a solemn form and a way to inform the other party in advance, which is convenient for others and yourself. Therefore, since the Han Dynasty, greeting cards have been retained as a traditional form, but the name has changed. These early cards were typically made from bamboo slips or silk, with carefully calligraphed messages conveying respect and well-wishes. The tradition reflected the Confucian values of maintaining proper social relationships and demonstrating respect through formal gestures.
Tang Dynasty Innovations
It is said that when Li Shimin, Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, celebrated the New Year, he made a greeting card with red gold leaf, and the imperial book "celebrates with the whole world" and gave it to the minister. Because this form was invented by the emperor, it quickly popularized among the people, but the folk were not as extravagant as the royal family, and did not dare to use gold leaf, and used plum blossom paper instead, written vertically. This period marked significant advancement in greeting card production techniques, with the development of woodblock printing allowing for more elaborate designs and wider distribution. The Tang Dynasty's cultural flourishing made greeting cards more accessible across different social classes.
Song Dynasty Commercialization
The famous greeting card was originally presented in person as a sign of solemnity. However, in the Song Dynasty, the commercial atmosphere was strong, and people were getting busier, so those who couldn't send in person sent servants to present them. This allowed one person to send more cards efficiently, eliminating the red tape of meetings between hosts. During this era, specialized workshops emerged dedicated solely to greeting card production, with standardized designs and seasonal variations. The commercialization of greeting cards during the Song Dynasty laid the foundation for the greeting card industry we know today, establishing patterns of mass production and distribution that would continue for centuries.
Modern Wooden Card Craftsmanship
Today at Gumo Crafts, we honor this tradition with our innovative wooden card designs that blend historical elements with contemporary aesthetics. Our collection includes various types of specialized cards for different occasions, including beautiful birthday greeting cards that continue the tradition of conveying heartfelt messages through physical objects. The transition to wooden materials represents both a return to natural elements and an advancement in sustainable craftsmanship.
Modern wooden greeting cards incorporate several distinctive features that set them apart from traditional paper versions. Laser-cutting technology allows for intricate patterns inspired by historical designs, while maintaining the warmth and texture of natural wood. The durability of wooden cards makes them keepsake items rather than disposable greetings, extending their emotional value far beyond the initial occasion. Many of our designs incorporate elements from different historical periods, creating a tangible connection between past traditions and present expressions.
Special occasions call for specific types of greetings, and we've developed collections tailored to these moments. For family celebrations, our Mother's Day greeting cards combine floral motifs with personalized messages that honor the recipient in a lasting format. The weight and substance of wooden cards add significance to these important communications, making them cherished mementos rather than temporary notes.
The evolution of greeting cards reflects broader social changes in how people maintain relationships and mark important moments. From the formal rituals of ancient China to the personal expressions of today, the fundamental purpose remains constant: to connect people through shared emotions and acknowledgments of life's milestones. As we continue to develop new designs at Gumo Crafts, we draw inspiration from this rich history while incorporating contemporary techniques and sustainable materials. The wooden greeting card represents both an homage to tradition and an innovation in how we preserve and convey our most meaningful messages.