Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Explore the history and cultural significance of sending Christmas cards in Poland, tracing its roots to 19th-century traditions and understanding how this heartfelt gesture continues to strengthen connections during the holiday season.
The tradition of sending Christmas cards has its roots in the United Kingdom, where the first official Christmas card was sent by Sir Henry Cole in 1843. This card featured an illustration related to Christmas and aimed to reduce the influx of letters during the holiday season.
In Poland, this custom gained popularity in the 19th century, with Christmas cards being sent primarily among affluent families. The cards typically featured motifs associated with Christmas, depicting genre scenes, winter landscapes, angels, or Christmas trees. With the widespread availability of printing and more affordable cards, this tradition extended to a broader audience.
Sending Christmas cards in Poland has become not only a way to wish joy during the holiday season but also a means of maintaining connections between family, friends, and acquaintances, especially when they are geographically separated. These traditional gestures of warmth emphasize the value of community and strengthen bonds between people during the Christmas period.