Occasionally Thoughtful - The official blog of GreetingCardUniverse.com

Easter: Its Beginnings and Its Cross-Cultural Traditions

Mindy on April 22, 2011

For the very little ones in the family, Easter 2011 will be the first Easter they celebrate. For others, this is one of many Easters that have been enjoyed throughout the course of their lifetimes. While having the fortune of celebrating many Easters is a good thing, one unfortunate outcome is we experience so many Easters we start to take the holiday for granted. The origins of Easter become somewhat peripheral and that is a great shame. Easter truly is a vaunted and valuable holiday for many which is why its history and traditions are so well worth remembering and honoring.

Easter is frequently considered the most important of all Christian holidays. Yes, it can be considered even more important that Christmas. The Christian tradition of Easter entails celebrating and memorializing the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his passing from crucifixion. This holiday is intended to acknowledge the divine nature of Jesus and to reflect on his ascent into heaven for the forgiveness of humankind’s sins.

So, where does the Easter Bunny fit in?

No, this is not stated as a flippant segue. It is simply stated so bluntly that when we do not reflect on 2,000 years of history we lose some insights into the totality of a holiday’s tradition. The Easter Bunny is a whimsical symbol of the Easter Holiday that emerged innocuously and became far more popular than people imagined.

In many ways, the concept of an Easter Bunny is similar to that of Santa Claus. The Easter Bunny rewards young children for being good by providing them with candies, toys, bright colored eggs, and sometimes even Easter greeting cards. The image of the rabbit as a gift giver likely dates back to the Holy Roman Empire and, like many Roman/Pagan symbols, it was incorporated into Christian symbolism and given a more positive image and meaning. The symbol of the rabbit in pre-Christian Rome was representative of fertility and is a far cry from the wholesome image the Easter Bunny presents today.

The modern concept of The Easter Bunny dates back to the 17^th century in Germany. The concept of an Easter Bunny helped children too young to understand the full significance of Easter to enthusiastically celebrate it.

The Easter Bunny remained a German tradition almost exclusively until the 18^th century when immigrants to America brought with them their culture and traditions. There clearly was a huge benefit to welcoming the Easter Bunny to the new world: he helped children behave! Remember, only those children that were good would receive bright colored eggs in a basket on Easter morning. The promise of such a gift could certainly motivate a young one to behave properly.

The holiday of Easter, like so many holidays, can be considered an amalgam of various cultural traditions. In many ways, this is a good thing because it allows the holiday to remain perennially popular.

Two important holidays approaching quickly in May!

Mindy on April 14, 2011

As spring time continues to roll right along, it is time to start thinking about two of the most important spring holidays, Mother’s day and Nurse’s day! Every child comes into this world unable to truly fend for their own. From the start, our survival is reliant on our mother for their nurturing and care. For many in our world, whether disabled or elderly, we become reliant on nurses for our care and survival. This year, Nurse’s Day lands on Friday, May 6th followed closely by Mother’s Day on Sunday May 8th.

Nurse’s Day is actually the first day of Nurse’s Week which runs from May 6th to May 12th, every year. Nurses Day and ultimately Nurse’s week are designed to celebrate the commitment and dedication of nurses across the country. Many formal events take place including banquets, workshops and dinner parties. Traditionally, this is a great time of year for you to honor and appreciate any nurses who help make your life easier. Whether they are taking care of you, or taking close care of a loved one, taking the time to send a Nurse’s Day Card will help you to be sure they feel appreciated for the challenging work they do.

A couple of days later, on the 8th of May, falls Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays which is honored in just about every culture. Although the specific dates and traditions do vary from culture to culture, generally cultures observe the holiday in the spring time. Some believe this holiday has become over commercialized requiring expensive gifts and elaborate plans, but this is simply not true. The most powerful gift you can offer on Mother’s Day is expressing your love and appreciation for the role they have played in your life. Sending her a heart filled Mother’s Day Card offers you the opportunity to make her feel loved, which is the greatest gift you can give.

You live a busy life filled with people and technology. It is important that you take the time needed to stay connected with the people you care about. Taking advantage of our print on demand technology allows you to stay more connected with those you care about, while saving time and money. There are few people in our world who deserve appreciation and recognition more than mothers and nurses and coming up in early May, you will have your chance to join in on the celebration.


Nurses Are Superheroes	Terriffic Mom	Nurses Are Real Angels

Giving Office Personnel Their Due: Administrative Professionals Day

Mindy on April 8, 2011

Where would most businesses be without administrative professionals helping management achieve its mission? In the most basic of terms, you could say management would be in a lot of trouble. Administrative professionals are a vital and enormous help to a company. That is why it is appropriate these workers are honored with Administrative Professionals Day.

Originally dubbed Secretary’s Day, this holiday experienced a name change to Administrative Professionals Day for a good reason. A great many people play a large role in the proper functioning of an office. So, the holiday seeks to honor not only secretaries but also mailroom personnel, receptionists, typists, carriers, and all other forms of office support help. And yes, this also includes loyal interns.

The actual date in which Administrative Professionals Day falls upon changes from year to year. It is celebrated on the last Wednesday of April and on 2011 this would be the 27^th.

Most people are unaware of this particular holiday. This leads many to believe it is a relatively new concept. Actually, Administrative Professionals Day has been in existence since 1952! It was the brainchild of a publicist named Harry F. Klemfuss and was originally titled National Secretaries Week. June 4^th, 1952 become the unofficial National Secretaries Day to draw targeted attention to a full week of honoring such professionals.

In time, the name and the dates were changed. However, it does not remain a popular holiday in many circles. That is a very unfortunate state of affairs and most businesses are well advised to pay homage to Administrative Professionals Day. Such workers do deserve their due and a nod to their talents would be in the best interest of all. From a motivation and morale perspective, this would make tremendous sense.

The work performed by an office support can be arduous and overwhelming. The proper performance of such duties is a must for any business to function. However, it is not always easy for an office support staff to handle such responsibilities. By setting aside one day out of the year to honor them, a company can go a long way towards making the employees feel appreciated.

That is why this April 27, 2011 needs to be a special one. Management should break out a few party favors and pastries and let the staff know they are appreciated. An Administrative Professional’s Day card can go a long way as well! Doing so will deliver a host of positive benefits…and it may also end up being a lot of fun, too.

Are You Ready For The Spring Holidays?

Mindy on April 1, 2011

This is no April fools joke… Many of the most celebrated Spring holidays are right around the corner! With all of the preparations that go into a family holiday celebration, the right holiday cards or invitations are a key component. By purchasing your spring holiday cards now, you will be sure to be prepared as the holidays approach.

Spring is full of growth and new life. For many cultures and religions, Spring is time for many significant holidays or traditions. Three significant holidays in particular are in just a few weeks.

The first major holiday approaching is Passover 2011. Falling on April 19th, Passover is a holy day and a great festival in the Jewish faith. Although a 7 day holiday, generally only the first day is nationally recognized. Sending Passover Cards is one of the best ways to join in on the celebration of honoring one of the most important events in Jewish and Hebrew history, especially if you are not able to be a part of the celebration in person.

The next holidays in April include two Christian holidays in Good Friday and Easter. Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and falls on the 22nd of April. Easter commemorates the resurrection day of Jesus Christ. Many families have made a tradition of sending Good Friday Cards and Easter Cards as a way in continuing to share their faith with those they care about most.

The last holiday to remember this month is more of a work place holiday than a religious holiday. Admin Professionals Day falls on Wednesday, April 27th and offers you a wonderful opportunity to express your gratitude and appreciation for the administrative professionals who help your workplace function smoothly. The simple act of sending out Admin Professionals Day Cards will boost employee morale and engagement.

April offers you many wonderful opportunities to reach out to those you care about most. Taking the time to send our a personalized card is becoming a bit of a lost art, but we are here to make it easier and more affordable than ever! We at Greeting Card Universe hope you enjoy a wonderful spring season that is filled with family, love and laughter.


Passover Card	Easter Card	Admin Professionals Day Card

Spring Is Near!

Mindy on March 10, 2011

For many Americans, the thought of spring sounds like relief from a long and cold winter. After months of clouds, rain and snow, it is time for the sun to warm the fields and melt the snow. Spring is the time when families begin to plan picnics in the park and for some cultures, it is also the time of the new year!

The first day of spring marks the Persian New Year, also known as NoRooz, a tradition that has been celebrated for nearly 2000 years. NoRooz means ‘new day’ and not only marks the day to start the new year, but also the day to start the life giving season of Spring! With under 2 weeks left of winter, now is the best time to send out Persian New Year Cards.

Another holiday that is just around the corner in spring is Easter. This year, Easter falls on Sunday April 24th, and marks a day that brings many families together, around the world. Traditional celebrations include picnics and large family gatherings where great feasts are enjoyed and the children participate in Easter egg hunts. Our selection of Easter Cards offers you access to the highest quality artist created cards online!

The last holiday you need to remember this Spring is Admin Professionals Day. From small businesses to multi-national corporations, administrative professionals have been helping busy executives for years. Admin Professionals Day is on Wednesday, April 27th and offers you the chance to say thank you to all of the people who help keep your business running smoothly. Take the time to send out Admin Professionals Day Cards, this year!

With GCU’s help, sending out cards becomes quick and easy! Take the time to reach out to those you care about this spring. Sending out unexpected greeting cards to your friends, family members and co-workers offers you a great opportunity to express your gratitude in a way that will surely make them feel appreciated.


Happy NoRooz Card	Happy Easter Card	Admin Professional Day Card

St. Patrick’s Day: Honoring a Legendary Figure

Mindy on March 10, 2011

On March 17, there is much rejoicing through the world. This day is St. Patrick’s Day and it honors a very great man whose legend has survived throughout the ages.

The glories of the St. Patrick’s Day parades that take place all over the globe are broadcasted on television to huge audiences. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and those of Irish decent pay homage to his lasting memory. Of course, the holiday is celebrated by many that are not of Irish decent as well. Yet, despite the large numbers of people that celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, most are not completely familiar with why St. Patrick is considered such an iconic figure worthy of such adulation.

A brief look at the man and the history of the holidays honoring him can answer such questions…

The early life of the great St. Patrick is lost mostly to history. He was born in the 4^th century somewhere in the Roman Empire. He was a slave in his youth but eventually able to escape his masters. He converted to Christianity and experienced a dream that he needed to spread the word of God throughout the world.

In particular, he traveled to Ireland where he employed a very novel approach: he used the three leafed Shamrock as a means of explaining The Holy Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It was the use of the shamrock that also crafted the notion that green would be the color most associated with this patron saint.

St. Patrick was a very popular evangelist and is considered the main person responsible for the spread of Christianity to Ireland. Ironically, St. Patrick’s Day has become a secular holiday in many circles. St. Patrick would pass away on March 17, 461 and his date of passing would be the day selected to honor St. Patrick’s Day.

As St. Patrick’s Day 2011 approaches, most will notice that you neither have to be Irish or Catholic to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The holiday is celebrated all over the world and by people of all different ethnic and religious backgrounds.

The holiday is also known for its celebratory consumption of food and drink. Yes, drinking alcohol is a popular past time among those celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. However, the holiday seeks to promote a sense of fun and communal joy. It does not depart from its positive sentiments in any way despite the rollicking festivities that surround it.

All those that wish to celebrate the feast day of this great saint can do so with abandon and “be Irish for a day” as the popular saying goes. St. Patrick’s Day cards and gifts are available in most stores as well.

Celebrate Love

Mindy on February 3, 2011

Cupid is back, and whether you have a love or love-hate relationship with St. Valentine, his bow and arrow targets a little something for everyone on GreetingCardUniverse.com! No matter where you are at in life, taking the time to celebrate love by sending a card to virtually anyone you cherish, gives you a chance to reflect on all we have to be grateful for.

You’ll truly fall in love with the vast variety of Valentine’s Day cards we offer. Choose to have a little fun with the anti-valentine’s day cards, taking ‘singlehood’ or challenging relationships a little less seriously this year. Or choose to gush with romantic sentimental cards that push the limits between naughty and nice. And who knows, you might even choose to express your love for the first time or offer a marriage proposal in a card.

Our Valentine’s Day cards capture every relationship imaginable, for family, friends, coworkers and kids, as well as several unique categories. Sending a card from these categories will warm the hearts of folks like your friend in the military, your teacher, dentist, doctor, sports fanatic or pet lover – just to name a few. You’ll find cards with indulgent humor or sweet sincerity and all can be personalized with your own message. You may also wish to share a recent photo with our customizable Valentine’s Day-themed photo cards.

At Greeting Card Universe, we encourage you to celebrate love your way, by sending a card to anyone you care about this year on Valentine’s Day.

Its Time For Chinese New Years Cards!

Mindy on January 21, 2011

Chinese New Year is the largest Chinese holiday and is celebrated by millions in cities, towns and villages, all over the world! From Chinatown in Sydney, Melbourne, San Francisco, Vancouver and New York, the world comes together to say “Gung Hay Fat Choy” which means “Best wishes and Congratulations. Have a prosperous and good year.”

Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year and marks both the start of a new Lunar Year, but also marks the start of Spring. For many who have been socked in for weeks with snow, any sign of spring could be a welcome relief!

Whether you grew up celebrating Chinese New Year with your family and are no longer living near them, or you have friends or co-workers who celebrate Chinese New Year, taking the time to send Chinese New Year Cards will offer you a chance to join in on one of the largest celebrations in the world! Sending a warm, heartfelt blessing, wishing them happiness, wealth and longevity to come in the new year is a great way to reach out in kindness and share in this meaningful tradition!


Chinese New Year	Chinese New Year	Chinese New Year Lanterns

3 Free Tools To Help You Stay Organized in 2011!

Mindy on January 8, 2011

We at GreetingCardUniverse.com have been hard at work, releasing some new updates, new tools for artists and a new color scheme to start of 2011 with a bang! This year we want to help you stay as organized as possible and help you simplify your life as you effortlessly accomplish your new year’s resolutions! All of these tools are free when you sign up for our Free Card Shopper Account

Tool #1: Free Reminder Service. From holidays and birthdays to anniversaries and other special dates, Greeting Card Universe offers you the ability to schedule reminder emails and SMS messages so that you will never forget another special date! Simply log into your free card shopper account and click on the My Reminders link on the top of the screen to set up your personal reminders!

Tool #2: Free online address book. Have you ever been prompted to mail someone a gift, note or a card, but couldn’t find their address? Well, with our free card shopper account you will have access to a free online address book that will not only help you easily manage all of your contacts in one place, but you will also have access to all of your contacts and their information, from anywhere you can gain internet access!

Tool #3: Mail merge function. One of the more recent addition to our service here at Greeting Card Universe, you now have the ability to create one card and have a copy of that card sent to as many of your contacts as you would like, with a few clicks of your mouse! It has never been easier to send out cards to all of your friends and family! Not only does it make sending holiday cards a cinch, it also makes sending invitations, thank you’s and works wonders for the small business owners, too!

These are just three of the ways, above and beyond automating the process of sending out greeting cards! We at GCU don’t believe you should have to pay a monthly membership fee to gain access to necessary tools that will help you save time and money! We are proud to offer these valuable time saving and money saving tools to you for free! Be sure and sign up for your free card shopper account now!

Ready For The New Year?

Mindy on December 17, 2010

As 2010 winds down to an end, and Christmas wraps up with an explosion of shredded wrapping paper and gift boxes… It is a great time to look back at how far you’ve come in 2010 and give yourself a pat on the back. Growth happens slowly, over time, so acknowledge yourself for the steps you’ve taken in 2010.

This time of year is also a great time to begin to set goals for the coming year, 2011! Taking the time to focus in on your goals or resolutions for next year will offer you the chance to start 2011 off on the right foot and instantly begin to gain momentum in the direction of your resolutions!

If you really want to make your resolutions or goals extra powerful, this year… Take the time to send yourself a card and a card to those who are closest to you, letting them know and reminding yourself about your goals, resolutions and why these are important for you. This card can sit at your desk all year as a reminder of what you are staying focused and where you are going! When your closest friends and family members also hold onto this vision for you, and encourage your success, you will find that doors will open and a path will appear.

The New Year is a time of celebration and of renewal. As we turn the page from 2010 to 2011, and the holiday whirl-wind comes to a close, take the time to celebrate your accomplishments and the accomplishments of those you care about most! Sending out New Years Cards is a great way to encourage, motivate and inspire those you care about to make the best of the coming year, too!


Happy New Year	New Year	Happy New Year!