Christmas Seals

Christmas Seals

File:Christmas Seal.jpg

A Christmas Seal from 1907

Christmas Seals are a type of charity stamp issued to raise funds and awareness for various health-related causes, most notably the fight against tuberculosis (TB). These seals are not valid for postage but are used to decorate mail during the Christmas season. The tradition of Christmas Seals began in Denmark in 1904 and quickly spread to other countries, becoming a popular means of fundraising for health organizations.

History

The concept of Christmas Seals was initiated by Einar Holbøll, a Danish postal clerk, in 1904. Holbøll proposed the idea of adding a small charitable stamp to holiday mail to raise money for children affected by tuberculosis. The first seal featured the likeness of the Danish Queen and was sold for a small fee. The initiative was a success, raising significant funds for tuberculosis sanatoriums.

In the United States, the first Christmas Seal was issued in 1907 by the American Lung Association, then known as the National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis. The American Christmas Seal campaign was inspired by the Danish model and aimed to combat the widespread tuberculosis epidemic in the U.S.

Design

Christmas Seals typically feature festive designs, including Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and other holiday motifs. Each year, a new design is released, often reflecting contemporary themes or significant anniversaries. The seals are usually sold in sheets and are popular among collectors.

Impact

The funds raised through the sale of Christmas Seals have historically supported the construction of sanatoriums, public health campaigns, and research into tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases. Over time, the focus of the fundraising has expanded to include other health issues, such as lung cancer, asthma, and influenza.

Collecting

Christmas Seals are a popular item among philatelists and collectors of ephemera. The seals are often collected in albums, and some rare issues can be quite valuable. Collectors may focus on seals from a particular country, era, or theme.

Also see

• Tuberculosis
• American Lung Association
• Charity stamp
• Philately

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