INTERNATIONAL POSTCARD WEEK
Every year during the first week in October, International Postcard Week celebrates these little cards that are fun to mail.
The postcard became quite popular during the late 1800s and early 1900s. People loved how postcards made it quick and easy to communicate with one another. They also loved the fact that postcards did not require an envelope. And also, postage was less expensive on a postcard!
Since that time, people around the world have embraced the postcard. They become especially popular for travelers. Postcards became a great way to send a picture of the place they were visiting. When visiting their destination, the traveler bought postcards and sent them to their friends and family. You may have even said to a loved one before going away, “I’ll send you a postcard!”
Here are some fun facts about postcards:
- The art of postcard collecting is called deltiology.
- Donald McGill created the best-selling postcard of all time, which sold 6 million copies.
- Old postcards are sold for hundreds and even thousands of dollars at auction.
- Austria sent the first government-issued postcard in October 1869.
- Many people believe the postcard was invented in France and was sent during the Franco-German War.
To qualify as a postcard, it needs to be a particular size. Postcards are between 3.5 inches and 4.25 inches high and between 5 inches and 6 inches long. Postcards must also be at least .007 inches thick and no more than .016 inches thick.
HOW TO OBSERVE #PostcardWeek
The best way to observe this week is to send someone a postcard. If you can’t get out and buy one, why not design your own? Several online apps can help you do it. If you make your own, remember that postcards need to be a particular size. You can also go online and look at postcards from around the world. One more way to participate is to share and swap postcards with other collectors.
You can download and print postcards from the National Day Calendar Classroom, too. Another way to celebrate is by discovering pen pals, like these 5 pairs of famous ones. However you celebrate, be sure to use #PostcardWeek to share on social media.
INTERNATIONAL POSTCARD WEEK HISTORY
Postcard enthusiast Brenda Perez created this special week. The first International Postcard Week was held during the first week of October in 2013.