The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

NEW YEAR'S

IN EUROPE DURING THE NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAY, CARDS WERE SENT BY
PEOPLE TO THEIR RELATIVES AND FRIENDS IN MUCH THE SAME WAY AS
WE DO HERE FOR CHRISTMAS. ONCE A PERSON REACHED HIS LATE TEENS,
HE WOULD HAVE NAME CARDS PRINTED (COMPARABLE TO OUR BUSINESS
CARDS) AND WOULD SEND THEM TO RELATIVES. OFTEN, UNSIGNED OR
"MYSTERIOUS" CARDS WOULD BE SENT BETWEEN LOVERS, SECRET ADMIRERS,
ETC., AND THE RECEIVER WOULD HAVE TO GUESS WHO HAD SENT THE CARD.

Data entry tech comment:

Informant and collector share the same surname and place of residence.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH ; informant's residence

Keyword(s): ANONYMOUS ; CARDS ; GIFTGIVING

Date learned: 11-01-1970