Greetings: Symbolic Bird with Flower

The Tradition of Greeting Cards and Stamps

Introduction to Greeting Cards:

The exchange of greetings, whether for specific occasions or as part of everyday etiquette, has become a common practice worldwide. While greetings can be conveyed through various mediums, the greeting card sent by post remains one of the most popular forms. These cards, illustrated messages that can express a wide range of sentiments—friendship, love, affection, goodwill, gratitude, sympathy, and more—have a rich history.

Historical Background:

The tradition of sending illustrated greetings dates back to ancient times. In Rome, seasonal greetings were symbolized by the exchange of Roman Lamps with figures of victory and inscriptions wishing a happy and lucky new year. Similarly, in ancient Egypt, New Year greetings were exchanged through symbolic presents like scent bottles and scarabs inscribed with messages of good luck.

Greeting Cards in India:

In India, greeting cards are exchanged during various festivals such as Deepavali, Baisakhi, Dussehra, Pongal, Christmas, Bihu, and Id, as well as on personal occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. Despite the advent of digital communication, the post remains the most popular mode for transmitting these messages of greetings.

Introduction of Greeting Stamps:

In 1990, India introduced greetings stamps designed to complement the cards or letters inside the envelopes. These stamps, although not tied to specific occasions, add poignancy to messages sent to friends and loved ones, demonstrating the sender’s extra care and concern. They can be used for a variety of occasions, enhancing social mail by adding an extra dimension to the thoughts expressed.

Significance of Greeting Stamps:

Whether the message is for a birthday, an anniversary, a religious festival, a social occasion, an expression of love or gratitude, congratulations in times of success, or comfort in times of illness, greeting stamps highlight the significance of the written word. They signal the importance of the message and make it stand out among other, more impersonal mail.

New Stamp Set Release:

To further strengthen the spirit of greetings and make messages more eloquent, the Department of Posts is issuing a set of two se-tenant stamps on the theme of greetings. These stamps are designed to enhance the appearance and significance of greeting cards and letters, making the recipient feel special.

Description of Designs:

• Stamps and First Day Cover: The two stamps, in the denominations of 100 P and 650 P, along with the First Day Cover, have been designed by Ms. Bharti Mirchandani.
• Cancellation Design: The cancellation has been designed by Ms. Neenu Gupta.

Conclusion:

The issuance of these greeting stamps celebrates the enduring tradition of sending greetings by post, emphasizing the personal touch and care involved in sending a physical card or letter. It reflects the importance of maintaining human connections through thoughtful gestures, especially in an increasingly digital world.