Rewarding is a fundamental human interaction based on achievement by virtue of the goals set and accomplished in our lives. Given the various methods through which people celebrate, congratulations cards prove to be one of the most personal forms. Sometimes, these small gestures say, ‘I am proud of you,’ ‘I am happy for you,’ or ‘I stand with you in whatever you have achieved.’ In this special article, I will outline the general information about congratulations cards, such as their history and classification, and the particular information about how to create a congratulatory card and how to give it to the recipient that would make the receiver preserve your message.
Early Beginnings
The use of greeting cards has its origin in ancient cultures; nevertheless, the greeting card tradition has become a modern-day commercial event. During the New Year, Chinese people revealed their greetings through messages on paper, and ancient Egyptians conveyed the same through papyrus scrolls. However, greeting cards are not as ancient as one might think; their practice was not as popular until the 15th century in Europe. Printed cards might be seen as the natural progression of evolution from early tangible and changing cards.
This innovation gave way to other forms of greeting cards and, therefore, proved to be instrumental in the development of congratulatory greeting cards. Hence, by the beginning of the twentieth century, the general communication culture of greeting touched different facets of social life, and the use of congratulations cards stretched across achievement events.
Recent Period & Digitalization Period
Now, virtually everyone uses greeting cards, and the greeting card business is considered to be worth over a multi-billion dollars. Although people still feel encouraged to write paper cards, the advancement in Technology has brought along Electronic cards, commonly referred to as E-cards through which people can send congratulations messages to anyone in this world at any given time. However, the change has come with the help of advanced technologies, and one of the most meaningful ways of communication – the handwritten card – is still appreciated.
Types of Congratulations Cards
1. Graduation Cards
Congratulations are the key to people’s achievements and graduation is one of the most significant achievements in the life of a person. Graduation cards are generally made with images that touch the aspect of education, including diplomas, graduation caps, and famous quotes. They can be tailored to embrace the course of studies of the person or his/ her line of enterprise in the future.
2. Job Promotion Cards
A promotion is one of the major accomplishments in a person’s career. The themes usually found in cards for this occasion include one’s professional achievement or advancement. It may contain words of support, especially on the individual’s efforts to warrant the promotion.
3. Wedding & Engagement Cards
Wedding and engagement cards are used to congratulate couples on their new phase of being together while emphasizing sposa and solitaire, which stresses the individual congratulating them. They both bear captions, usually containing romantic depictions and messages of the couple’s eternal happiness.
4. New Baby Cards
Babies are the particular pride of families, and their coming into the world means that there should be a celebration. On the occasions of new parents, congratulatory cards showing drawings of babies, storks, and anything related to babies are received. These cards offer good luck and warm wishes to both the parents and the new-born child.
5. Sports Achievement Cards
Performance in sports activities, as witnessed in today’s conclusive professional realms or individual fitness goals, deserves commendation. Sports thank you cards have pictures going in harmony with the sport of your choice and have specified phrases like keep on practicing, you have worked hard and won, etc.
6. Academic Achievement Cards
Other academic achievements that should be celebrated include graduation, securing a scholarship, scoring high marks in a crucial exam, or delivering a big project. Since academic achievement cards can be general, they can also be made based on specific accomplishments.
7. Personal Milestone Cards
On the same note, I feel that buying or building a first home, completing a marathon, or accomplishing a personal objective are some achievements that require celebration. These types of cards can be very personalized and contain individual messages of congratulations in relation to the specific achievement of the receiver.
Incorporating Technology
As a new feature, it is suggested to add ‘Digital Congratulations Cards’. These cards would allow for the creation and sending of cards to candidates online. While the art of designing paper cards is important, virtual Congratulations cards are convenient and can be sent immediately.
1. E-cards
Today, there are numerous websites where you can find e-cards with different images that can be reworked and blinking animations. You can add your message to the card, and it can be delivered to the intended recipient instantly through email or social networking sites.
2. Video Messages
As much as a text message is effective, a video message accompanies it, being friendlier and likely to be received better. Make a video and tell the respective person ‘Congratulations’ with utmost endearing and sensibility. It should also be noted that the closer people are, the more likely they will respond well to this approach.
3. Social Media Shoutouts
Letting people know about one’s achievements on social media also adds the flavor of celebration. Consult with the recipients and make a post with your congratulatory notes, photos, or videos and mention them. As much as it closes the support, it also fails to give us an opportunity to celebrate with others.
4. Digital Gifts
To amplify the personal touch, include a digital gift such as an e-gift card, a subscription service, or an online course alongside a digital congratulatory card. This unique approach includes an extra touch of respect and encouragement for the recipient to continue striving.
Conclusion
Traditional and digital congratulations card fit into the reunion of classic ways of people’s celebration of each other’s achievements. Suppose you are targeting current employees, friends, and families, or anyone close to the team, personalizing your message, selecting the right image, and including special touches. In that case, you are bound to create an image that will make everyone feel the pride and support being offered to them. Despite the growing diversification of people’s achievements and accomplishments and their constant immigration into the arena of officially recognized accomplishments, congratulations cards retain their touching and relevant role in chronicling people’s lives.
