vintage and contemporary postcards and stamps from around the world


22 February 2015

Sunday Stamps II - 10

souvenir sheet, 2015, international rate stamp (showing the three rams from the domestic rate stamp)
Year of the Ram,
also known as Year of the Goat and Year of the Sheep

The ambiguity has whipped up discussion in the English world. Actually, when used without attributes, the Chinese character Yang can refer to all of the forgoing ruminants. However, in terms of traditional culture, the zodiac symbol is more likely a Goat. The images of goats often appear on Chinese New Year stamps and paper-cuts. To ordinary Chinese, it seems the confusion never bothers them. They may take the goat as the zodiac animal, but prefer to buy a sheep mascot, because it's more lovely and fluffy.

Sheep (or goat, or ram) is among the animals that people like most. It is gentle and calm. Since ancient times, people have learned to use its  fleece to make writing brushes and its skin to keep warm. The white cute creature often reminds people of beautiful things.
(source: travelchinaguide)

15 February 2015

Sunday Stamps II - 9

issued 2007,
butterflies in the shape of hearts
as part of of the theme :  Holy Days and Celebrations (Personal Greetings)
Kocham Cie = I Love You

08 February 2015

Sunday Stamps II - 8

issued 2013
for the series Historical Vehicles, theme Ships and Transport
designer: Pavel Sivko
Péčko-18 Steamboat

The widely used Péčko (or P-type for propeller type steamboats) boats were cutting edge technology of its time. They belonged to the most frequently used boats on the Czech stretch of the Vitava and Labe Rivers.

Just a note that I have difficulty commenting from this blog (or browser?) on some of your blogs, so, to make it consistent, all my comments will originate from the VioletSky blog. But, don't let that stop anyone from commenting here!

Next week for Valentines, the theme is anything that looks Valentine-y or romantic.
It could be anything from the traditional wine, chocolate, roses, or something that depicts a romantic get-a-way...

01 February 2015

Sunday Stamps II - 7

 issued  2014 for Canadian Unesco World Heritage Sites
domestic P (permanent) rate (currently 85¢); postcard can be sent international rate (currently $2.50)
Virginia Falls, South Nahanni River, Northwest Territories
it's drop is 315' or 96m