langeafstandsknippen

Langeafstandsknippen, meaning "long-distance cutting" in Dutch, refers to a historical postal practice primarily used in the Netherlands and surrounding regions. This method involved the deliberate and often artistic cutting of paper or parchment that had been used for correspondence. The purpose was not to destroy the message, but rather to create a smaller, more manageable piece of paper that could be sent as a form of short, informal communication or even as a token. The cut pieces were typically no larger than a postage stamp. This practice was particularly prevalent in the 17th and 18th centuries. It allowed individuals to send brief messages, confirmations, or even just a sign that they had received and acknowledged a previous communication, without the need for a full letter. The act of cutting the paper itself often served as a form of authentication or a personal touch. Langeafstandsknippen was a practical adaptation to the costs and logistics of early postal services, enabling more frequent and less substantial exchanges between people.