The Power of Invitations

To understand the force and potency of invitations "the power of invitations" let us look within ourselves and outside to Nature. There is deep within us two simultaneous opposite forces working: one is to share an important event with others and the other is to show off. In ancient society social anthropologist Morgan writes that tribes would just trample and throw away precious seeds while the hungry neighboring village looked on at this show off power and pomp. Feelings of jealousy were ignited and this made them feel important. On the positive side the human being in man wants to share. Sharing multiplies the joy. Both forces make us go ahead with the task of inviting our friends and neighbors, our relatives and acquaintances to sit at the table and partake of any important tidings. It gives an opportunity to the host to splurge and show off the feathers a la peacock style! Nature sends the cuckoo to invite all to the party called Spring. She sends the North Wind to announce Christmas festivities. So do wee mime her. Apart from the instinct guiding the behavior of man in inviting people there is another strong social factor that establishes the power of invitations. The three most important events are birth, marriage and death. Previously when written registration of such important events were not recorded all those who mattered were invited to witness the event.

The invitees saw that this is the child of so and so or these two are joined in holy matrimony or that so and so has left this earth for heavenly abode. It served a social purpose and avoided confusion. It avoided impersonification and other complications. In the case of a sumptuous colorful wedding the incident was impressed upon the minds of the couple for years to come contributing to a great extent to a lasting marriage; on the stability of the marriage rests the ultimate strength of the nation. With a firm family life is connected the welfare of the child, the youth and the elders. What is in micro holds good for the macro. The invitation starts off with the invitation card or message. The individual stamps it with his or her personality; at least wants to do so but finds it difficult in this age of miming. But there are ways and means; especially with the coming of the Internet when invitation cards can be sent online with personalized messages. Even before the baby is born, just when the term is coming to an end baby shower invitations are sent out. The parents-to-be know there are rough days ahead and want to make the best of the time left before the little one takes up all the attention. Usually anybody other than the couple throws the party as a matter for form. In this fast age it is better to choose a day convenient to all; most probably a holiday. In traditional societies like India the auspicious day is selected by the stars. To adjust the modern with the ancient the rituals are held on that day but the feasting on another convenient day. The next big event is the naming of the child; the Christening. Again cards can be sent although many believe that a handwritten letter is much more touching and personal.

But where is the time? Online stationery can be personalized with facilities for reply so that the host knows how many will be turning up. In many countries the cards for the birth and wedding have to be handed personally by the party concerned. It is sometimes accompanied with sweets and gifts. The cards often smack of Royal splendor being written on silk and rolled into a scroll. The Internet cards top the list with pictures and messages from across the world tuned in with relevant music and color. There are invitation cards for business meetings and CRY cards that go towards a worthy cause. Recycled cards are very popular. Anybody with a pair of scissors, some ribbon, silver and gold paper with a tube of glue can create a fantasy. Liberally apply the glue and then dust it with sand. Follow it up with bows and maybe a dried flower petal or leaf. The invitation must state clearly who is inviting whom, the date and venue of the event, dress code if any and road directions. Some are explicit in the card about not welcoming gift. The tone of the letter is very important to tempt a guest to call. A few lines of poetry will spice up the invitation and perhaps make it into a collector's pride. The latest is invitations through DVD and CD-Rom. These can be custom made for any theme by using awesome templates. Invitations may be sent out asking some person or persons to perform, to attend a trade fair, a political meeting or to grace a fund raising event for a worth cause. It is the invitation that will carry with it the force of compelling the recipient to attend. The invitation must be as unique as the person sending it.

There are exclusive online design studios that will customize the cards by changing colors and fonts; by adding or deleting embellishments. So whether it is announcements for the engagement or baby showers, for christening or weddings, just click on our site http://www.ladidacreations.com.au/ , Ladida Creations - Invitation Stationery and get tips and hints for putting the personal stamp on the joyous occasion. There are gift labels, photo cards, cards announcing the name, moving announcements and invitations to house warming parties. There is a whole library of phrases and sentences to choose from to give the right feel to the proper event. The colors too must be in tune; blue for boys and pinks for girls with a dash of red to denote passion in wedding notes. Gold is a general favorite and so too are zodiac signs. With the world having become a global village there is generous exchange of symbols and designs to make human culture all the richer for it.

Submitted by: Joseph Fonseka,  February 2008