Greetings: Ceremonial Elephants
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Greetings Stamps |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | December 17, 1980 |
| Denomination | Rs. 4 |
| Quantity | 1,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13½ x 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1277 Stamp Number IN 1335 Yvert et Tellier IN 1080A Stanley Gibbons IN 1427 |
| Themes | Animals (Fauna) | Elephants | Greetings | Mammals |
Greetings
Exchanging greetings between friends is a timeless tradition, and today, greeting cards have become a popular medium to express sentiments such as friendship, love, affection, goodwill, gratitude, sympathy, and other emotions. These cards are commonly sent on birthdays, anniversaries, and during religious, cultural, and social occasions. They are also used to convey get-well wishes, bon-voyage messages, congratulations, and thanks.
Historical Background
The practice of exchanging illustrated greetings dates back to ancient times. For instance, in Egypt, New Year celebrations involved exchanging symbolic presents like scent bottles and scarabs inscribed with “au ab nab” (all good luck). In ancient Rome, greetings were expressed through the exchange of “strenae,” typically branches of laurel or olive coated with gold leaf. Seasonal greetings were symbolized by Roman lamps impressed with the figure of victory, surrounded by strenae inscribed with “Anno novo faustum felix tibi sit” (May the new year be happy and lucky for you). This tradition of exchanging goodwill messages continued in Europe through the early days of Christianity.
Evolution of Greeting Cards
The advent of the printing press and its commercial use in the 18th and 19th centuries made the exchange of New Year cards, calendars, and greetings by merchants and tradesmen commonplace. The introduction of penny postage and envelopes in 1840 provided a convenient medium for transmitting these greetings. The modern greeting card as we know it was born in 1843 when the first Christmas card with season’s greetings was designed in the UK. By the 1860s, the commercial production of greeting cards was fully established.
Modern-Day Greetings
Today, despite the variety of means available to convey greetings, the post remains the most popular and predominant mode of transmission. In India, the tradition of sending greetings by way of illustrated messages through the post was likely introduced by the British and has since become an established practice. Greeting cards are sent for occasions like Deepawali, Pongal, Durga Puja, Baisakhi, Bihu, Christmas, Eid, and other regional festivals.
To enhance the spirit of these greetings and make the medium of transmission more communicative, the Department of Posts is issuing a set of two stamps on the theme of greetings.
Text: Courtesy Ministry of Human Resources Development