Chinese dragon on a postage stamp
The Chinese New Year, under the symbol of the dragon, began on February 10th, and on February 14th, Poczta Polska will introduce another postage stamp from the Chinese Zodiac Signs issue. The dragon plays an important role in Chinese culture. It is considered a creature of extraordinary power, symbolizing strength, power, good fortune, and prosperity.
The new stamp features a decorative silver dragon head centrally placed on a neck covered with scales. The design is the work of visual artist Andrzej Gosik.
In addition to the postage stamp, Poczta Polska also issued a First Day Cover (FDC) featuring a graphic of red lanterns, associated with joy and happiness in Chinese tradition. The lanterns are arranged on the envelope in a beautiful and energetic pattern. Both the envelope and the stamp are decorated in red and gold, perfectly capturing the essence of Chinese New Year, often present in its celebrations and decorations. Red, traditionally associated with happiness and fortune in Chinese culture, represents wealth, prosperity, ennoblement, good fortune, power, and authority.
The issue is accompanied by a commemorative date stamp with information about the place and date of entry into circulation.
The role of the dragon in Chinese culture
The dragon plays a significant role in Chinese culture and tradition. In the Chinese animal calendar, the year of the dragon is one of twelve cyclical years. The dragon is one of the most significant and revered symbols in Chinese culture. It is an attribute of imperial power and frequently appears in decorations, art, and architecture, particularly in the Imperial Palace in Beijing. During Chinese New Year, celebrations often include dragon dances and parades. In Chinese mythology, the dragon symbolizes strength, good fortune, wisdom, and prosperity. People born in the year of the dragon are often described as courageous, confident, ambitious, and energetic. They possess a strong personality and usually achieve success in life. They tend to be leaders and take control.
The Chinese horoscope encompasses 12 zodiac signs. These change annually, not monthly, because they are based on the lunar calendar. They are symbolized by 12 different animals. Therefore, the year under a given animal sign repeats every 12 years. The next Year of the Dragon will not occur for another 12 years, in 2036.
About the stamp:
Designer: Andrzej Gosik
Number of stamps: 1
Value: PLN 3.90
Circulation: 128,000 pcs.
Printing technique: offset
Stamp format: 45 x 45 mm
Paper: fluorescent
Sales sheet: 8 stamps
Date of circulation: February 14, 2024