New Year card explained

A card with the inscriptions P. F. (standing for the French words "pour féliciter") is used as a New Year card expressing good wishes for the coming year or in social correspondence extending congratulations.[1]

Usage

The P. F. cards are generally used only in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.[2]

History

Following the tradition established by the New Year cards of Charles Chotek of Chotkow, the highest Burgrave of Bohemia (function roughly similar to a prime minister) between 1826 and 1843, Czechs and Slovaks continue to use the old French inscription pour féliciter, or "P.F.", together with the number of an upcoming year, standing for "wishing you all the happiness in the new year". The author of many Chotek's New Year Cards was Prague painter and engraver Josef Bergler.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Glossary of Diplomatic Terms. ediplomat.com. 23 February 2020.
  2. Web site: What Does PF Stand For and Why Do Czechs Use It?. news.expats.cz. Haas. Elizabeth. 30 November 2017. 23 February 2020.