Happy New Year, from the New Years 1890 series (N227) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889 - 1890

This small New Year card, created around 1890 by Kinney Bros., depicts a playful scene beneath the mistletoe, a plant long associated with fertility and vitality. The woman, armed with a snowball, embodies a spirit of revelry, while the man’s defensive posture hints at the playful combat of courtship. Mistletoe’s significance stretches back to ancient rituals, linked to the sun's life-giving force. In Norse mythology, it played a part in tales of love and vulnerability. Here, its presence adds a layer of cultural resonance, invoking themes of renewal and affection, echoing in Roman Saturnalia celebrations and medieval traditions. The act of throwing a snowball carries a primal energy, a vestige of ancient winter games where survival and courtship intertwined. This seemingly simple gesture evokes deep-seated cultural memories, resurfacing each winter season. It represents a release of inhibitions, a subconscious desire for connection, and a celebration of life amidst the cold. Thus, this image offers a glimpse into the non-linear progression of symbols, how they evolve, resurface, and take on new meanings, engaging viewers on a profound, emotional level.