|
|
Calling Card Etiquette, 18-19th centuries
Calling cards derive from the earliest forms of visiting cards. The use of calling cards obliged individuals to know certain peculiarities of calling cards etiquette. Established in society these regulations were applicable for town dwellers and for residents of a large city as well.
Here is information on peculiarities of calling cards in a society of that age:
- If you visit a house for a first time, you must have cards for each lady of the household.
- Arriving at a house give you calling card to the servant, so that he/she could look it through. When hostess accepts your card you are officially allowed to be her guest.
- In case your card isn't accepted, you must conclude that for some reasons hosts do not wish to extend their acquaintance.
- It is obligatory that all calling cards should be put in a small card tray. A pencil and a pad should be placed beside a tray.
- A servant meeting guests must present the tray cards holding it on the palm of the left hand.
- A young lady can have a card of her own after having been in society a year.
- A lady may use a card case to carry her calling cards, but a gentleman should carry them in a convenient pocket.
- In Europe some gentlemen folded the upper right corner a card to indicate that they've delivered it themselves (the servant should never hand his master's card folded). American gentlemen never folded their cards.
- Folded in the middle calling card imply your coming with members of your family.
- Although it may seem tempting, you are not allowed to investigate cards in a cards tray.
|
