Uncle Sam with his stove pipe hat, white hair, lanky body, and red and white striped pants remains a visual symbol of the United States. He first appeared during the War of 1812, and received his nickname on Sept. 7, 1813. At the time, he was overshadowed by a figure we no longer think about: Brother Jonathan.

Brother Jonathan was a braggart and a trickster. He was sly, bigoted, and cunning. His name derived from two sources. In England, the name was a term of derision. The name Jonathan was also common in New England. Either way, the British used the term to refer to all New Englanders. Americans didn’t like being called jonathans until they won their revolution. The scrappy underdogs were free, and Brother Jonathan took on more positive connotations as a sort of independent entrepreneur.

But Brother Jonathan was only a regional symbol, and as the United States changed, his brashness and bigotry were less welcome.

Uncle Sam

Brother Jonathan was superceded by Uncle Sam, a home grown symbol of patriotism and unity. According to legend, Uncle Sam appeared in the War of 1812. The United States was fighting Britain again, and the American army needed supplies.

Samuel Wilson, a meatpacker in Troy, New York, shipped barrels of beef to the army. He stamped each barrel with the letters “U.S.” Troops began calling the beef barrels “Uncle Sam’s.” For a time, Uncle Sam and Brother Jonathan co-existed.

The United States changed during the Civil War. The Federal government became stronger. People wanted a reliable image for the country. Thomas Nast, prolific cartoonist, popularized what became the modern image of Uncle Sam. Nast gave him the white beard and striped trousers.

Political cartoonists used Uncle Sam to make their point. Below are two cartoons by Thomas Nast. One titled The Lightning Speed of Honesty shows Uncle Sam riding the snail that was the 45th Congress. In the other, Uncle Sam explains to Spain that everyone is against them in the Spanish-American War.

In the early 20^th century James Montgomery Flagg created the most well-known image of Uncle Sam with an army recruting poster. Looking straight at the viewer, Uncle Sam announced “I want You for the U. S. Army.”

He wasn’t the only one. Columbia, the female image of America, appears on recruting posters, and also advertisements for Columbia records. After Columbia Pictures recruited her as their symbol, Columbia lost status. But in 1938 she was back recruiting troops for a new war.

Today, we seldom see Columbia, but Uncle Sam continues to stride down parade routes, often using stilts to enhance his height. He smiles. He waves. He remains a national symbol.

Mermaid Parade 2013 by Richie S.

Brother Jonathan

Uncle Sam Riding a Snail by Thomas Nast, 1877

Spanish-American War Cartoon

James Montgomery Flagg. I Want You for the U. S. Army, 1917

Columbia Calls, 1916

The Sword is Drawn, The Navy Upholds It, 1917

World War II Recruiting Poster, 1938

Stilt Walking Uncle Sam, 1973. Public Domain.

Adee Braun. “Before America Got Uncle Sam, It Had to Endure Brother Jonathan.” Atlas Obscura. July 4, 2019.

The post Uncle Sam: Symbol of America first appeared on Sandra Wagner-Wright.

By this time, organized veterans of the season have put up their decorations, found the grab bag gifts, outfitted their children in angel outfits for the holiday pageant, and spiked their eggnog. Now is the time to sign those holiday cards. As you look for the proper card, stamps, and addresses, you might wonder who started this custom. It was none other than Sir Henry Cole who commissioned John Calcott Horsely to create the first Christmas greeting card in 1843.

The cheery picture shows three generations of a generic middle class London family toasting the recipient – I bet all this time you thought Kodak invented the family photo card – I certainly did.  On either side of the colorized happy family you see them providing charity to the “deserving poor.” Mr. Cole printed 2,050 cards that sold for one shilling each.

Late Victorians preferred more fanciful cards with bits of lace and botanical themes. This card with its lacy border, basket of flowers, and holly sprigs reminds the recipient that spring will return in due course.

This card with it’s parade of marching frogs was created by Louis Prang in 1873. A gentle reminder that Christmas is Dec. 25^th.

Cards carry many messages.  During World War II, Uncle Sam and Santa joined forces to advise adults that an album of war stamps was the perfect gift for every young American.

Commercialization took off after World War II.  Cards became a both a business and social necessity. At one time it was expected to send cards to people both near and far.  Christmas card lists were kept – and woe to the recipient who did not reciprocate. Colorful yarn was often strung across the wall so these cards could be displayed for every visitor to see. As if to say, “Look how well connected I am.”  Frequently, the yarn broke and a child was summoned to restring it.

The fashion for sending holiday greetings via snail mail is falling out of use – much to the dismay of the greeting card industry and the United States Postal Service.  Both businesses once anticipated a final end-of-year boost.  It probably still exists, but not on the same scale.

For those of you who just remembered you have to send a few snail mail cards, the mailing deadlines for Dec. 25^th deliveries are as follows:

International First Class Mail – oops, you missed it. The last day was Dec. 9.

Domestic First Class Mail – you have until Friday, Dec. 20

Further details can be found on the USPS website: https://www.usps.com/holiday/holiday-shipping-dates.htm

I like holiday cards, both to send and to receive, as long as they represent good will.  With or without an extra message, those cards tell the recipient. “Hey, when I think of holiday plans, I think of you, and I hope you are enjoying the season.” Isn’t that the real point of sending cards?

In Hawai`i, Mele Kalikimaka translates as Merry Christmas.

 How do you feel about the custom of sending holiday greetings? Is it a chore or a joy? Leave a comment.

Featured image depicts Santa, an angel, and a sleeping child. Dated 1900, it is in the US Public Domain, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

The post WHY SEND HOLIDAY CARDS? first appeared on Sandra Wagner-Wright.