Mille Baiseurs xoxoxo - postcards from the 1920's

I'm currently cleaning up an "antique" image for a birthday card I'm going to make for my Etsy Shop "The Reimagined Past."

It's a wonderful old french Birthday card.

 

 While looking on the internet to make sure "bonne fete" also means Happy Birthday in french, I sidetracked and found an interesting website, called "Mille Baiseurs" - referencing the note written on the Birthday card.
https://millebaisers.wordpress.com/

It literally translates as "a thousand kisses", but is a traditional way to sign a letter "Lots of love" or "XOXO" in French.

It also refers to a particular genre of postcard - French (usually) postcards from the 1920's, usually of a romantic nature, but they can also be found for a  variety of other occasions - New Year's, Christmas, Easter and "come hither" looks! Today they look (in my opinion) pretty kitschy, but they are fun!!

  

 

 

 

 - first three photos were found on the Mille Baiseurs webpage -

Vintage Easter Greeting Cards - Bizarre and Strange

I sell updated and embellished greeting cards on Etsy. The name of my shop is the Reimagined Past. I scan cards that I have purchased at flea markets, ebay or some that were sent to my Mom in the late 1930's, and decorate them. Hate to admit it, but I am a glitter convert. I also spend hours every week scouring the internet. What a fascinating thing to do. Anyway, I have come across some interesting vintage Easter cards...that "stopped me in my tracks" and ask myself - what in god's name were they thinking? Below are some of my favorites: