Ephemera

This is the first time I have study and touch with the concept of Ephemera objects, which is very new and special  topic to me. Prior to this, I had not considered the importance of ephemera objects to people’s lives and society at all. After studying the video of ephemera, documents of everyday life, I had a new understanding of the concept of ephemera topic. The ephemera exists everyday life, but it is often overlooked in the corner of society. And after through the study of ephemera, I understand its importance for culture and society.

First of all, in my opinion, the greatest value of ephemera is historical records. This is a very direct way. The charming of ephemera is that different people will have their own opinions and interpretations after seeing it. Because the historical record in this way can not only record the society and humanities of the time, but also leave a strong sense of space for those who later watch the collection. Just like a thousand people who read Hamlet will have a thousand Hamlet. When you see old menus or postcards, a nostalgic mood is brought to the present, which will give us space to think about, depict events in the mind or think about what society was like at that time. It is also worth mentioning that the collection of ephemera is an important resource for national historical research. Its value comes from the record of truth, and it is very valuable research for people who have not experienced it.

On the other hand, ephemera also have great commercial value. Compare with the  newspapers, the ephemera can provide people with more visual experience. The development of ephemera has gone from the early old menus and postcards to today’s design companies and personal visiting . This is enough to prove that ephemera objects are necessary for the development of society and people’s lives. From the appearance of printing to the presentation of pictures, ephemera also integrates the history of technology as a way of inheritance, serving our lives and society. In my opinion, his collection value comes from short-term popularity. After that period, it will be difficult to find out.