

This application of ephemera has been cited as the first example of aligning it with transient prints. In 1751, Samuel Johnson used the term ephemerae in reference to "the papers of the day" – and is frequently cited as the term's creator. The initial sense extended to the mayfly and other short-lived insects and flowers, belonging to the biological order Ephemeroptera. This combination generated the term ephemeron in neuter gender the neuter plural form is ephemera, the source of the modern word, which can be traced back to the works of Aristotle. The etymological origin of Ephemera ( ἐφήμερα) is the Greek epi ( ἐπί) – "on, for" and hemera ( ἡμέρα) – "day". Ephemera has seen academic interest as a beneficial prospect to humanities and for its own sake, illustrating or providing insight into diverse matters, such as those of a sociological, cultural, or anthropological background.Ī piece of ephemera circa 1749–1751, around the time Samuel Johnson may have coined the term Literature by collectors and societies has contributed to a greater willingness to preserve ephemera, which is now ubiquitous in archives and library collections. Virtually all conceptions of ephemera make note of the matter's disposability.Įphemera has long been collected by the likes of families, hobbyists and curators, with certain instances of ephemera intended to be collected. Some ephemera are ornate in their design, acquiring prestige, whereas others are minimal and notably utilitarian.

Since the printing revolution, ephemera has been a long-standing element of everyday life. Ambiguous in nature, various interpretations of ephemera and related items have been contended, including menus, newspapers, postcards, posters, sheet music, stickers and valentines.

Its etymological origins extends to Ancient Greece, with the common definition of the word being: "the minor transient documents of everyday life". Ephemera are transitory creations which are not meant to be retained or preserved.
