History and spread of Christmas cards through centuries
The piece traces Christmas card origins from Henry Cole in 1843 England to the United States a few years later. It notes John Horsley's design, the first mass produced cards, and the quick sale in London. It mentions Dickens and Queen Victoria aiding Christmas traditions, with R. J. Pease credited in America and the growth of a global greeting card industry with varied motifs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Henry Cole
Cole
Royal Academy
John Calcott Horsley
England
Prince Albert
Queen Victoria
United States
States
Albany, New York
R. J. Pease
Candles on Christmas Eve in Irish Tradition
The piece notes Christmas Eve candle customs traced to Ireland where a Mary named figure could snuff out a large candle. It recalls beliefs of Jesus and Mary visiting on Christmas Eve and the Christ Child Candle lighting windows to guide Him or atone for the nativity night with no room.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ireland
Mary
Jesus
Joseph
Palestine
Holy Isle
Europe
Christ
Old Santa Still Spry
Santa Claus, the Gran Old Man of Christmas, remains youthful at nearly a century as cartoonist Thomas Nast first drew him in the 1860s. Nast’s early 1860s illustrations for Clement Clarke Moore’s poem shaped the modern image, after fame in political cartoons toppled Boss Tweed’s ring in New York.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa Claus
Bette
Tho Nast
Nast
Clement Clar Moore
St. Nicholas
Boss
Tweed
New York City
Also Mentioned on This Page
Bethlehem
Hone
London
Santa