Calling Cards

The Calling Card dates from the late 17th to early 18th Century. Also called "Visiting Cards," they served as introductory vehicles to convey messages and as tangible evidence of having met specific social obligations. The earliest surviving example dates from 1786 (Germany). Whereas most were simple printed affairs, some were quite lavish, printed with gold or silver letters or even gilt edges. A (very!) few were solid silver or gold leaf.

Calling Cards served as streamlined letters of introduction. The etiquette was quite specific and, at least among the upper classes, strictly adhered to. The "Calling" ritual was based partly on the fine old custom of "visiting" and partly on courtship traditions. These eventually evolved into certain fixed rules laid down by society, applying as equally to residents in a small town as those in large cities. Remarkably, these rules differed little from country to country and were even known to have been observed in Russia and the far east. Here's a synopsis of calling etiquette:

In every home, there should be a small silver or wooden card tray on a hall table near the door. The tray is specifically reserved for the purpose of receiving calling cards. When a caller arrives, the servant answers the door and, upon permitting entry, presents the card tray to the caller on the palm of the left hand. There is also a pad and a pencil present if needed.

The manner in which a card is presented has significance to the recipient. For example, a gentleman must have a card for each lady of the household on making a first call. A young lady can have a card of her own after having been in society a year. Folding one's card in the middle indicates that the call is on several, or all, of the members of the family. In addition, any of several abbreviations with special meanings may be hand-written upon the card by the caller. Here are some examples:

• p.p. - Standard for an initial introduction (pour présenter).
• p.f. - Congratulations (pour féliciter).
• p.r. - Expressing one's thanks (pour remercier).
• p.c. - Mourning expression (pour condoléance).
• p.f.N.A. - Happy New Year (pour feliciter Nouvel An).
• p.p.c. - To take leave (pour prendre congé).