The Origins of Name Cards in Ancient China

Long before the invention of modern business cards or holiday greetings, ancient Chinese society developed a sophisticated system of personal introductions through name cards. These early forms of identification, known as “ye” (谒) during the Qin and Han dynasties and “ci” (刺) in later periods, served as essential tools for social interaction among scholars and officials.

Originally crafted from bamboo or wood, these cards bore inscriptions of one’s name, hometown, and official rank—critical information in a society that valued lineage and status. The Warring States period (475–221 BCE) saw increased mobility among traveling scholars and diplomats, making these physical introductions even more vital. By the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 CE), the practice of exchanging “ci” became widespread among literati participating in scholarly debates.

A significant transformation occurred during the Southern Dynasties (420–589 CE) when paper replaced bamboo as the preferred medium, giving rise to “mingzhi” (名纸). This shift, attributed by Southern Song scholar Wu Zeng to Liang dynasty official He Sicheng, marked the beginning of paper-based social correspondence that would evolve for centuries.

The Birth of Specialized New Year Greetings

As name cards became more refined during the Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279) dynasties, they began serving specialized functions beyond simple introductions. The Song era witnessed the emergence of “hetie” (贺帖)—dedicated holiday greeting cards used particularly for Lunar New Year celebrations.

These New Year cards retained the basic format of traditional name cards but incorporated seasonal blessings. Southern Song writer Zhang Shinan documented several examples in his travel writings, including a surviving card from famed poet Qin Guan addressed to a scholar named Zi Yun:

“Qin Guan of Gaoyou respectfully congratulates Academician Ziyun on the New Year.”

The practice became so widespread that Southern Song chronicler Zhou Mi observed it had become customary for households to send servants delivering stacks of these seasonal greetings when personal visits weren’t possible—a practice sometimes leading to humorous mixups, as when one clever gentleman replaced all his friend’s cards with his own.

Ming and Qing Innovations in Holiday Correspondence

The Ming dynasty (1368–1644) saw New Year cards—now called “pianzi” (片子) or “heye” (贺叶)—become standardized in size (about 3×2 inches) and often crafted from decorative plum blossom paper. Poet Wen Zhengming captured the cultural shift in his poem “New Year Greetings,” noting how stacks of cards replaced personal visits during the holiday season.

By the Qing dynasty’s Kangxi era (1661–1722), red became the dominant color for these greetings, reflecting cultural associations with luck and celebration. These “hongdan” (红单) often featured printed auspicious phrases and sometimes came in elaborate presentation boxes called “baihe” (拜盒). Late Qing novels like “Tearful Romance” depict characters sorting through collections of these cards, showing how they became cherished keepsakes.

Modern Transformations and Global Influences

The 19th century brought cross-cultural exchanges that reshaped Chinese holiday traditions. While China had developed greeting card customs over millennia, the Western world’s first commercial Christmas card appeared in 1843—created by British artist John Callcott Horsley. This innovation soon influenced Chinese practices through treaty ports and cultural exchanges.

Late Qing painter Ren Yi became renowned for collecting nearly 20,000 greeting cards from 38 countries, demonstrating the global appeal of this communication form. By the 1920s, Shanghai’s commercial printing industry mass-produced cards featuring everything from traditional landscapes to movie stars and political slogans. Some innovative designs even incorporated practical calendars for the coming year.

The Enduring Legacy of Seasonal Greetings

From bamboo slips to digital messages, the evolution of holiday greetings reflects broader social transformations. What began as elite formal introductions became democratized seasonal rituals connecting communities. Today’s instant digital greetings carry forward a tradition dating back to scholars carefully inscribing wooden cards—proof that across centuries and technologies, the human desire for meaningful connection remains constant.

As we celebrate each new year, whether through paper cards or pixels, we participate in an ancient ritual of reaffirming bonds—a tradition as timeless as the seasons themselves.