The Fascinating History of Graduation Announcements

 

Graduation announcements didn’t just pop up overnight. Long ago, way back in the Middle Ages, schools like universities in Europe started holding ceremonies. These events marked when students finished their studies. People wanted to shout it from the rooftops—or at least tell their friends. So, they sent little messages. They weren’t fancy, just notes saying, “Hey, I did it!” Back then, only a few could read, so it stayed small. Imagine monks scribbling on parchment—that’s the vibe.

When Things Got Official

Fast forward to the 1600s, and stuff changed. Universities, especially in England, got more organized about graduating. They held big public events. Families and townsfolk showed up to cheer. Soon, students—or their parents—wanted to spread the word wider. Written announcements started looking official. Think wax seals and curly handwriting. By the 1700s, colonial America caught on. Harvard and Yale sent out notices too. Still, it was mostly rich folks doing it. Paper and ink weren’t cheap.

Printing Makes It Pop

Here comes the 1800s—a big shift! The printing press got better and cheaper. Suddenly, announcements weren’t just for the elite. Regular people could afford to tell everyone, “My kid graduated!” Cards became simple but classy—names, dates, schools. Sometimes a quote or prayer was tossed in. Families mailed them out, proud as peacocks. Around this time, high schools started graduating kids too—not just colleges. More announcements flew around towns. Everyone wanted in on the action.

The Style Explosion

The Victorian era hit, and whoa—things got wild. People loved flair back then. Graduation notes turned into art pieces. They had frilly edges, gold lettering, and even little drawings of caps and gowns. Some added poems—super dramatic ones. You’d open your mailbox and bam, a masterpiece. But it wasn’t all fancy. Poor families stuck to plain paper; it still got the job done. By the late 1800s, stores sold pre-made ones. Convenience started creeping in—sound familiar?

Early 1900s: Keeps Getting Bigger

The twentieth century rolled up, and graduations boomed. More kids finished school than ever. Announcements were everywhere now. Black-and-white photos sneaked onto some—a big deal back then. Companies saw dollar signs and jumped in. They offered templates—pick your design, add your name. Mail got faster too, so these cards zipped across states. People saved them like treasures. Scrapbooks from the 1920s show tons—yellowed, but proud.

Mid-Century Modern Vibes

After World War II, everything changed again. Suburbs grew, and schools multiplied. Graduation announcements turned kind of sleek—fewer frills, more clean lines. The 1950s loved bold fonts; think typewriter vibes. Color printing kicked in by the ‘60s—pastels and brights popped up. Hippie grads in the ‘70s? They’d DIY them—tie-dye paper, peace signs. Still, most stuck to store-bought ones. And invites started mixing in—like a grad party invite slipped into the envelope. Two birds, one stone.

Digital Age Shakes It Up

Then, boom—the 1990s and computers crashed the party. Families could design announcements on clunky PCs. Clip art of diplomas was everywhere. Email joined the game by 2000—some ditched paper entirely. Social media later? A total game-changer. Kids blasted “I graduated!” on Facebook and Instagram. But physical cards hung on—people love that touchy-feely nostalgia. Companies now offer cheap graduation invites online—customize, click, done. It’s affordable and fast—wild compared to parchment days.

Why We Still Care

Today, it’s a mashup—old and new. Some grads mail fancy cards; others post TikToks. The point remains the same as always—bragging rights. Parents cry and friends cheer, and that moment gets locked in time. Announcements evolved from monk scratches to glossy prints to digital pings. Yet, the heart stays unchanged: “Look what I did!” Every era added its flavor—wax seals, photos, emojis. It’s kind of cool how a simple idea stuck around, huh?

What’s Next?

The future is coming fast—holograms maybe? Virtual reality announcements? Who knows? Whatever it is, grads will keep sharing the win. History shows they always find a way. From dusty scrolls to Insta stories, it’s a thread that won’t snap. Next time you get one—or send one—think about it. You’re part of something huge, stretching back centuries. That’s pretty dope for a piece of paper—or a pixel.

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