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Original charming attractive Victorian New Years greetings card of a pretty young girl wearing a hat, holding a parasol
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Original charming attractive Victorian New Years greetings card of a pretty young girl wearing a hat, holding a parasol
Original charming attractive Victorian New Years greetings card of a pretty young girl wearing a hat, holding a parasol, beautiful summer flowers border (forget-me-nots, cornflowers, roses, wheat) The caption is "Wishing A Happy New Year", circa 1888, U.K "With love from Gladys" written on the reverse. The evidence of a slight bustle on the dress dates this card to circa 1888. Victorian Christmas cards often depicted nature and feature a variety of flowers that bloom from spring through to Autumn. While this may seem an odd choice for the wintry season, it helped to remind residents living by candlelight or gas-lit fixtures that sunnier days were ahead. The winter solstice takes place near Christmas and marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. Each new day after the solstice brings a little more sunlight to people living with the cold, dark reality of winters without electric lighting and efficient heating. Flowers also held special meaning in the 19th century and were used to convey specific sentiments and feelings. Kate Greenaway's “Language of Flowers” was first published in 1884 and helped codify and standardize the symbolic meaning of flowers that had been in use for centuries. According to Greenaway, blue violets signify “faithfulness, ” daffodils express “regards, ” lily of the valley connote the “return of happiness, ” and sweet pea indicates “delicate pleasures.” Source: wellesleyhistoricalsociety.org
This image could have imperfections as it's either historical or reportage.
Media ID 33364824
© ThislifeThen, thislife pictures
Old Fashioned Social History English British Sentimentality
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This Victorian New Year's greetings card from 1888 showcases a delightful young girl adorned in a fashionable hat and holding a delicate parasol. The card is beautifully framed by an array of summer flowers, including forget-me-nots, cornflowers, roses, and wheat. Its inscription reads "Wishing A Happy New Year" evoking warm sentiments for the upcoming year. The presence of a slight bustle on the girl's dress provides valuable evidence that dates this charming card to circa 1888. During the Victorian era, Christmas cards often depicted elements of nature and incorporated various blooming flowers that symbolized hope and renewal throughout the seasons. This choice may seem unconventional for wintry celebrations; however, it served as a reminder to residents living in dimly lit homes that brighter days were on their way. Flowers held significant meaning during the 19th century and were used to convey specific emotions and messages. Kate Greenaway's influential book "Language of Flowers" published in 1884, played an essential role in standardizing these symbolic meanings across society. According to Greenaway's guidebook, blue violets represented faithfulness while daffodils expressed regards. Lily of the valley signified the return of happiness, while sweet pea indicated delicate pleasures. On its reverse side lies an endearing message: "With love from Gladys". This personal touch adds depth to this historical artifact and allows us to glimpse into relationships nurtured during that time period. As we admire this exquisite print captured by Alamy (not for commercial use), let us appreciate how such intricate cards brought joy during simpler times when candlelight or gas-lit fixtures illuminated households through long winter nights.
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