5 Things to Know About Rosh Hashana

Corrie on July 29, 2013


Rosh Hashana marks the Jewish New Year and is celebrated around the world. The date is based on the Hebrew lunar calendar and changes every year. In 2013, Rosh Hashana begins at sundown on September 4 and ends at sundown on September 6.

  1. What’s the Religion Behind The Holiday? In the Jewish faith, on Rosh Hashana, God opens and writes in three books: one records the righteous; the second, the wicked; and the third, the names of those who hang in the balance. During the Days of Awe (the period between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur), people atone for their sins. It’s customary to attend services during this time.
  2. What Do People Say to Each Other? The traditional greeting, “l’shana tova tikatevu ve’tikhatemu” means “may your name be written and sealed for another year” and refers to #1. May be abbreviated to l’shana tova.
  3. What Do People Eat? Traditional foods during Rosh Hashana are honey and apples, symbolizing a “sweet” New Year. In addition, some families hold a Rosh Hashana seder – a ritual meal.
  4. What’s With the Horn? The shofar – a ram’s horn – is blown to awaken the faithful and as a remembrance of Abraham, whom God commanded to sacrifice his son, Isaac (Genesis 22:1-13).
  5. What Else Happens? The Days of Repentance begin on Rosh Hashana. People are encouraged to meditate on their actions over the past year and if possible, make amends to anyone they may have wronged in some way.

Greeting Card Universe helps you celebrate with unique Rosh Hashana cards for all your friends, family, loved ones, co-workers, neighbors, and everyone else in your life.

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“Probably the best selection of cards I’ve seen – will definitely be the first place I look for a card in the future.” – Carlo, July 18, 2013

Gorgeous Grandma Day

Corrie on July 23, 2013


July 23 is Gorgeous Grandma Day!

In many families, grandmothers are the bridge between past and present, raising their sons and daughters, and spoiling their grandsons and granddaughters. They are the repository of the family’s history. Through their memories, relatives who were lost live on.

A gorgeous grandma smiles often, laughs oftener, and hands out more hugs than cookies. She’s gorgeous because she’s lived through many decades and wears her experience like a medal of honor. She has the wisdom to accept bittersweet moments, the spirit to withstand loss, and the heart to appreciate the sweetness life can offer. She loves and is loved.

GCU appreciates all gorgeous grandmothers. To get in touch and let your gorgeous grandma know how much you love her, we offer unique, beautiful Thinking of You Grandmother cards. Can’t wait for mail delivery? Order on-line and pick up your card free – usually in 1 hour of less – at participating Target and Bartell Drug stores.

SPECIAL: Buy 5+ cards, get 10% OFF and FREE SHIPPING in the US! Use code 2013JULY10

What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“Probably the best selection of cards I’ve seen – will definitely be the first place I look for a card in the future.” – Carlo, July 18, 2013

Gay/Lesbian Weddings

Corrie on July 9, 2013


With same-sex marriage currently allowed in twelve US states, and public acceptance and local/federal government support continuing to grow, more gays and lesbians are tying the knot with their committed life partners.

Some choose a ceremony at a courthouse or City Hall. Others plan to go all the way with an elaborate ceremony, lots of guests and wedding party attendants, and a big reception. Either way, a wedding is a celebration of love between two people who want to spend the rest of their lives together.

Here are a few tips to help your wedding planning and ceremony go a little smoother:

Marriage License: There can be a waiting period of 2-3 days before you receive your license. Once the license is issued, there’s usually a 6-month expiration date (but not always).  Your officiant can also, in most cases, obtain and file the marriage license for you. Ask if you aren’t sure.

Wedding Services: Need a cake, bridesmaid and/or groomsmen outfits, flowers, catering, photographer, venue, planner, band/DJ, or other service for your wedding? Unfortunately, as has sometimes been reported in the news,  not all businesses are gay/lesbian friendly. Ask friends, family, co-workers or even your officiant for referrals to companies that will provide your services with a smile.

No to Man and Wife: The traditional wedding ceremony includes the officiant saying, “I now pronounce you man and wife.” For obvious reasons, this isn’t going to work for a gay/lesbian wedding. What to substitute? You can write your own vows, of course—a popular option—or try going with, “I now pronounce you partners for life.”

Name Change: Some men and women want to change their names after the wedding to signal their new married status and/or add their partner’s name to their own. For the least amount of hassle, first request a certified copy of your marriage license from the courthouse after it’s been registered, then follow these simple directions.

Greeting Card Universe is proud to offer unique Gay/Lesbian Wedding Invitations and if you’re a friend of the brides or grooms, Gay/Lesbian Wedding Congratulations cards because love is about what’s in your hearts, not what’s in your pants.

SPECIAL: Order 5+ cards, get 10% off and FREE SHIPPING in the US! Use code 2013JULY10 at checkout

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“I love these cards. The animal ones are especially wonderful. The quality is excellent. Thank you so much.” – Lynne, June 8, 2013


The Red, White and Blue American Flag

Corrie on July 3, 2013


The Fourth of July is the United States’  Independence Day, celebrated throughout the country from coast to coast with fireworks, barbecues, and trips to the park or beach. Patriotic Americans display the flag with pride. But why is the “Stars and Stripes” colored red, white, and blue?

When the American flag was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1777, the colors weren’t assigned specific meanings. However, the Great Seal of the United States of America (see above) contained these colors which did have significance.

Red stood for valor and hardiness.

White stood for innocence and purity.

Blue stood for justice, perseverance, and vigilance.

What about the stripes and stars themselves? The 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies that won their independence from Britain. The 50 stars symbolize the 50 American states.

How should you display an American flag or properly dispose of a damaged flag? Learn more about flag etiquette here.

Greeting Card Universe wishes all our friends a very happy and safe Fourth of July 2013! Need last minute Fourth of July cards? No problem! Just use our free service. Order on-line and pick up your cards—usually in 1 hour or less—at most local Target and Bartell Drug Stores.

SPECIAL: Order 5+ cards, get 10% OFF AND FREE SHIPPING IN THE US! Use code 2013JULY10

What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“Very seldom do I find cards that convey my personal heartfelt messages that fit perfectly every special occasion or event. The quality of the card stock used and the outstanding workmanship on the finished card made my special messages even more special.” – Marta, June 30, 2013