The Canadian 2024 stamp program is here

The Canadian 2024 stamp program is here

Canada Post was a little tardy releasing details on their upcoming year, but the Canadian 2024 stamp program is finally here. 

Within the barebones list are a few gems tucked into the year. Among them is a celebration of Mary Ann Shadd for Black History Month. This yearly series will highlight trailblazing abolitionist and freedom fighter Shadd who had a profound impact on both sides of the border. The Black History series is one of the best themes Canada Post has created to date.  I start prepping for the stamps weeks in advance, researching and gathering links to use. Mary Ann Shadd will need a lot of space!

The March Spring Flowers stamps have turned into a perennial favourite with Canadians. It offers a tantalising glimpse of spring to a winter weary populace. The first set from 2007, Lilacs, is still my favourite. 

Indigenous Leaders and Truth and Reconciliation will return for a third year. The Truth and Reconciliation series casts a hard light on Canada’s treatment of the indigenous peoples, both historical and modern. If you’d like to read more see this article Truth and Reconciliation Day Canada Post | Bitter Grounds Magazine. 

Canada Post will premiere a new series in May featuring Canadian Graphic Novelists. No word on who will grace the stamps for the first release. This should be an exciting new set for fans to search out and will be a popular topic. Rounding out new releases, for the first time, the solar eclipse will make it to a stamp and cover. Hard to believe we haven’t seen one to date. 

Here’s the basic list: 

  • Remembering Mary Ann Shadd, an influential abolitionist and the first Black woman to publish a newspaper in North America (should be a late January release for Black History Month in February).
  • Spring Flowers in March. They will feature two regional wildflowers.
  • April 8, 2024’s, Total Solar Eclipse will coincide with an actual total eclipse across Canada. Eclipse Path of Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024 (timeanddate.com)
  • May will see the new series Canadian Graphic Novelists.
  • July is all about Wildlife on stamps featuring endangered frogs.
  • Great Canadians and popular cultural icons in Canada likely be in the last quarter of 2024.  
  • Canada Post Community Foundation supporting children and youth across the country.
  • Indigenous Leaders will enter its 3rd year. 
  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation stamps will be released before the September 30, 2024, date.
  • Remembrance Day will arrive in early November.
  • And the usual holiday stamps will be released for Eid, Diwali, Hanukkah and Christmas.

Was there a best of 2023? I looked back at the stamps and thought originally it would be Caroline Brown’s Animal Mothers and Babies from April

Animal Mothers and Babies Stamp 1 400PAnimal Mothers and Babies Stamp 2 400P

It was one of the best, but my favourite goes to the Donald Sutherland stamp from October. Initially I wasn’t so sure about the design and felt downright ambivalent about it.  But Sutherland’s response to appearing on a stamp and FDC was just so darned adorable, I break out in a smile every time I look at them.  Sutherland wins the stamp lottery for 2023!

Donald Sutherland
Canada Post

“When they showed me this stamp, I felt that everything had come together,” Sutherland told Q‘s Tom Power over Zoom. “I really wished that [my mother] could have seen me. You know, when you’re 88 years old — very nearly 89 — it means a lot, a stamp, because we grew up writing letters…. The stamp for me is everything, just everything!”

By the way, Sutherland would like you to send him a postcard with the stamp on it. Donald Sutherland wants you to write him a postcard | CBC Arts

Paprika Designs from Montreal brought both a sense of gravitas and lightheartedness in one series. Imagine putting these images side by side:

 Donald Sutherland Booklet cover Donald Sutherland on FDC with stamp and sutherland peeking from left

Sutherland’s screwy “Oddball” character (seen on the left hand of the FDC) pretty much stole every scene he was in in the movie Kelly’s Heroes.  Paired with the striking photographs in both the booklet cover and stamp, I think the set does justice to Sutherland’s storied career. In hindsight, I’d say Paprika did an extraordinary job on this set. 

Alas Canada Post doesn’t release preview images, so we’ll have to wait.  

January 

 Mary Ann Shad (1801-1893)
Annual series
Topic: Black History

Black History Mary Ann Shadd Stamp CP58591_BlackHistory_OFDC 

CP58591_BlackHistory_OFDC.indd Black History Mary Ann Shadd Booklet Black History Mary Ann Shadd Booklet Cover Black History Mary Ann Shadd Booklet Cover Back

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, booklet of 6
offset

Shadd lived in both Canada and the US working as an abolitionist, educator, publisher, lawyer and women’s rights advocate. She started the Windsor Provincial Freeman, in 1853. She was the first Black woman run a paper in North America. As well she was the first Black to be voted into a public office in Canada (1859).  She was voted onto the Council of Raleigh in Ontario.

“She was the first one to go to law school. She was in the women’s suffrage movement,” Travis said. “She’s made women know that they don’t need to stay in the kitchen and cook and take care of children. They can do more than that.” Brenda Travis, descendent of Mary Ann Shadd. 

Canada Post’s write up offers a brief look at her storied life:

Born in 1823 in Wilmington, Delaware, Shadd established herself early on as a dedicated teacher, writer and activist. In 1851, she was invited to teach in Windsor, Ontario, where she helped open a racially integrated school that supported families fleeing enslavement in the United States.

Two years later, she launched The Provincial Freeman and became the first Black woman in North America – and the first woman in Canada – to publish and edit a newspaper. Published from Windsor, then from Toronto and Chatham, it was an anti-slavery newspaper that advocated for the advancement and equality of Black people. It also promoted Canada as a place for Black people to settle, raise families and contribute as free citizens.

To avoid alienating readers accustomed to male editors, Shadd initially kept her name off the masthead. However, she grew tired of the assumption that she was a man and in 1854 revealed her identity.

In 1863, she moved back to the United States where she continued to build her reputation as a trailblazer. The second Black American woman to obtain a law degree, Shadd became a lawyer and a prominent suffragist.

Shadd’s lifelong fight for equal rights continued a family legacy. Her father, Abraham Doras Shadd, was active in the Underground Railroad and was featured on Canada Post’s first Black History Month stamp issue in 2009. It is believed that this is the first time in Canadian postal history (outside of the Royal Family) that a father and daughter have each appeared on a stamp.

The photo used is the only known photograph of Shadd. It was taken c 1855 – 1860. 

Only know photo of Mary Ann Shadd 1823 - 1893 Image courtesy Archives Canada

http://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.redirect?app=fonandcol&id=3191895&lang=eng

Mary Ann Shadd Cary: the Black press and protest in the nineteenth century by Jane Rhodes
Bloomington: Indiana University Press, ©1998. 
Archives Canada has a copy of Shadd’s  1852 A plea for Emigration or, Notes of Canada West, in its Moral, Social and Political Aspect: with Suggestions Respecting Mexico, W. Indies and Vancouver’s Island for the Information of Colored Emigrants. The 25-page document has been digitized and is available for download.

 Designer: Underline Studio
Illustrator: Natasha Cunningham

Release date: January 29, 2024


March

Spring Flowers – Wildflowers
annual series
Topics: flowers

Wildflowers Coil Stamp Purple 400P Wildflowers Coil Stamp Orange 400P 

Wildflowers Souvenir Sheet 

Wildflowers OFDC  Wildflowers OFDC Back

Wildflowers Booklet Wildflowers Booklet Cover Wildflowers Coil of 50

2 stamps, souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel, booklet of 10, coils
offset

  • butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
  • spotted beebalm (Monarda punctata)

These two wildflowers are native to parts of southern Ontario and southwestern Quebec and are protected in Quebec.

This series began in 2007. The 

  • 2007 – lilacs
  • 2008 – peonies
  • 2009 – rhododendrons 
  • 2010 – African violets
  • 2011 – sunflowers 
  • 2012 – day lilies
  • 2013 – magnolias
  • 2014 – roses 
  • 2015 – pansies 
  • 2016 – hydrangeas
  • 2017 – daisies
  • 2018 – lotus
  • 2019 – gardenias
  • 2020 – dahlias
  • 2021 – crab apple blossoms
  • 2022 – calla lilies
  • 2023 – ranunculus
  • 2024 – wildflowers

Designer: Andrew Perro
Illustrator: Alain Massicotte

Release date: March 1, 2024


Total Solar Eclipse

Total Solar Eclipse single stamp Canada Post 2024 

Total Solar Eclipse FDC  

Total Solar Eclipse booklet cover Total Solar Eclipse booklet of stamps Total Solar Eclipse back of booklet 

Total Solar Eclipse Black light 

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, booklet of 10

On Monday, April 8, 2024, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime provinces will experience a total eclipse. It will also show across parts of the USA and Mexico, the only time this century it will do so. 

Don’t forget – never look directly at the eclipse. If you want to watch it, there are ways to do so safely.

How to safely watch the April 8 total solar eclipse – The Weather Network

Designer: Richard Nalli-Petta 
Illustrator: Michal Karcz

Release date: March 14, 2024

HO, HO, HO! Christmas 2023 stamps are here!

HO, HO, HO! Christmas 2023 stamps are here!

HO, HO, holy cats! Christmas 2023 stamps are here! And of course, I have a backlog of new issues to post. Stamps are rolling in at a fast pace now, so there will be updates almost daily for the month of November. This is becoming a fun tradition here at Bitter Grounds HQ. I sit with some chai and cruise around the world checking out all the fun Christmas stamps and covers while ignoring the cold weather knocking at the window.  

2022 offered up the usual nice stamps, but the ones that both surprised and delighted me the most came from Sri Lanka. No artist name was given, which is irritating. The 50.00 blue stamp was the true highlight. I can’t be sure, but if I had to guess, I’d say up to 3 artists were involved in this series. The two stamps and the souvenir sheet each show distinctly different techniques. 

Sri Lanka 
Nativity Scenes Sri Lanka 
Nativity Scenes   

It’s a magical combination of traditional Christmas motifs and graceful Sri Lankan artistic styles. I keep cruising by the Sri Lankan post website, hoping to see a 2023 Christmas stamp, but as of today (Nov. 1, 2023) no luck. I’ll keep looking. 

Sri Lanka 
Nativity Scenes

Enjoy this year’s offerings. 
Cheers 

Catpaw

Åland

Greetings from the Islands of Peace

stamp two Peace angel
Christmas 2023 stamps Christmas 2023 stamp one peace doveChristmas 2023 FDCChristmas 2023 back of FDC 

2 stamps, FDC, cancel
offset

Both stamps include elements of Åland handicraft products incorporated in the art. 

  • Peace Angel – note the necklace around the angel’s neck. It is a Blomman flower pendant, a piece designed by Åland jewellery-makers Guldviva and considered a symbol of the Islands since 1992.
  • Peace Dove – this stamp includes handicrafts from the Island of Husö. The branch candle represents a product produced on the Island –  hand-dipped branch candles.
  • On the FDC – a Blomman flower pendant is used as a star on the Christmas tree

Artist: Lasse Harkkala 
Finnish born artist Harkkala also designed Åland’s 2022 EUROPA stamps. He now makes Åland his home.
Åland Post Stamps visit Lasse Harkkala – Åland Stamps (alandstamps.com) 
Designer: Johanna Finne

Release date: October 20, 2023


Alderney

The Christmas Story

Alderney Christmas 2023 stamps 

 Alderney Christmas 2023 presentation pack 
HO, HO, holy cats! Christmas 2023 stamps are here!

Alderney Christmas 2023 FDC 

Alderney Christmas 2023 sheets

0 stamps,  FDC, cancel, presentation pack, sheets of 10

  • 51p Stamp: The Holy Family
  • 56p Stamp: The Annunciation 
  • 79p Stamp: Joseph’s dream
  • 87p Stamp: Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem on a donkey
  • £1.21 Stamp: No rom at the Inn
  • £1.39 Stamp: Angel Gabriel visits the Shepherds 
  • £1.50 Stamp: The Magi follow the Star of Bethlehem
  • £4.93 Stamp: Adoration of the Magi

Designer: Martin Hargreaves

Release date: November 1, 2023


Andorra Sp

Christmas – Torró

Christmas - Torró cancel 

Andorra Christmas nougat 

Christmas - Torró FDC

1 stamp, FDC, cancel
offset

One of the most divine Christmas treats is Spanish nougat. There are two types of Alicante or hard and Jijona, soft. Of the two, jijona is superior, especially when paired with a strong espresso. 

Of the various theories that have been formulated about its origin, the most plausible is the one that assigns the sweet to the Arabian Peninsula, where sweets made with nuts and honey are typical. Its subsequent spread reached other areas of the Mediterranean basin such as North Africa, Italy or southern France.

The arrival in the Iberian Peninsula coincided with the incursions of the Arabs and the establishment of Al-Andalus, taking root especially in the southern regions of the Valencian Community, especially in Alicante and Jijona. There are documentary traces of the production of nougat in Sexona, now Jijona, since the fourteenth century. Other documents mention nougat as part of the wedding menu of one of King James I’s daughters. Stamps – Nadal. Torró. (correos.es)

Spanish Nougat for Christmas: How Turron Became the Holiday Staple (yummybazaar.com)

Release date: November 16, 2023


Armenia

Armenian Christmas 2023

1 stamp on souvenir sheet
offset

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: December 5, 2023


Austria

Each year Austria releases a number of stamps that celebrate Christmas, or have a Christmas feel. They issue both religious and secular themes stamps. This year, I’ve pulled them together under this subheading because so many people enjoy collecting Christmas stamps. This year, there are 6 Christmas/Winter themed stamps to look for. 

Christmas Sweater 

Christmas Sweater 

Christmas Sweater 

Sweater FDC  Sweater info sheet

1 stamp, cancel, FDC, info sheet
offset on flocked paper with +Pantone 185C

Part of an ongoing series titled “philatelic winter wardrobe”, that includes toques and mittens.

Designer: David Gruber

Release date: October 21, 2023 


Christmas Snow Crystal

Christmas Snow crystal cancel 

Christmas Snow crystal

1 stamp, cancel
offset

Designer: Marion Füllerer

Release date: November 17, 2023


Christmas – Festive Sledge

Christmas - Festive Sledge 

Christmas - Festive Sledge 

1 stamp, cancel
offset

Designer: Kirsten Lubach

Release date: November 17, 2023


Christmas – Holy Family
Parish church Waldhausen in Strudengau
Parish church Waldhausen in Strudengau 

Parish church Waldhausen in Strudengau

1 stamp, cancel, maxi card
offset

17th c painting by unknown south German artist. 

A special presentation will be held at the library in the parish of Waldhausen im Strudengau. It will be jointly hosted by the Strudengau philatelists, the parish of Waldhausen and the municipality of Waldhausen

Poster for Christmas Stamp presentation

Special presentation

If you are lucky enough to be in the area and attend, drop me a note and let me know about it.

Waldhausen im Strudengau – GEM2GO WEB – Home

Designer: Theresa Radlingmaier

Release date: November 17, 2023


Christmas – Snow Globe

Christmas - Snow Globe 

Christmas - Snow Globe 

1 stamp, cancel
offset

Designer: Roland Vorlaufer

Release date: December 1, 2023


Parish Church Oppenberg – Adoration of Kings

Parish Church Oppenberg - Adoration of Kings 

Parish Church Oppenberg - Adoration of Kings 

1 stamp, cancel

Designer: Kirsten Lubach

Release date: December 1, 2023


Australia

ChristmasAustralia2023cancel

Secular

Australia Christmas scenes Australia Christmas bulbs 

Religious

Australia 2023 Madonna and child Australia 3 Kings

Christmas 2023 Minisheet 

Christmas 2023 First Day Cover mini Christmas 2023 First Day Cover all stamps Christmas 2023 Merry Christmas Postal Numismatic Cover Christmas 2023 Merry Christmas Postal Numismatic Cover f Christmas 2023 Maxicards 

Christmas 2023 Self-Adhesive Sheetlet of 5 ` Christmas 2023 Self-Adhesive Booklet religious Christmas 2023 Stamp Pack Christmas 2023 Self-Adhesive Booklet secular Christmas 2023 Embellished Sheetlet pack

5 stamps, 1 souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, 5 maxi cards, 5 booklets, stamp packs, 3 sheets, numismatic cover, embellished sheets
Offset lithography

Artist: Dani Poon
Designer: Jo Muré, Australia Post Design Studio (secular stamps and products)
Dani Poon (religious stamps)

Release date: November 1, 2023


Belarus

Belarus cancel Christmas 2023

Time for presents Good news New Year's wizard Believe in miracle Sweet present Pleasant expectation                

Believe in miracle Good news Good newsGood news        

Pleasant expectation Good news Good news Good news Souvenir sheet of all stamps    

Belarus FDC Christmas 2023 Belarus Maxi cards Christmas 2023 

Belarus Maxi cards Christmas 2023 Belarus Maxi cards Christmas 2023Belarus Maxi cards Christmas 2023Belarus Maxi cards Christmas 2023Belarus Maxi cards Christmas 2023 Belarus Maxi cards Christmas 2023 Belarus Maxi cards Christmas 2023 Belarus Maxi cards Christmas 2023

8 stamps, 8 sheets of 4, souvenir sheet of 8, 2 FDCs, cancel, 8 maxi cards
offset

  • New Year’s wizard
  • Pleasant expectation
  • Believe in miracle
  • Holiday chores
  • Time for presents
  • Good news
  • Sweet present
  • Delicious treat

Designer: Yauheniya Biadonik

Release date: October 16, 2023


Canada

Secular

Winter Scenes Stamp DomesticWinter Scenes Stamp US Winter Scenes Stamp International  

Winter Scenes Souvenir Sheet  

Winter Scenes Souvenir Sheet OFDC Winter Scenes Souvenir Sheet OFDC Back 

Winter Scenes Booklet Cover US Winter Scenes Booklet US Winter Scenes Booklet Cover International Winter Scenes Booklet Domestic Winter Scenes Booklet Cover Domestic Winter Scenes Booklet Cover Domestic Back

3 stamps, 1 booklets of 6, 1 booklet of 12, souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel
offset

Religious

Madonna and Child 2023 Stamp 

Madonna and Child 2023 Booklet Madonna and Child 2023 Booklet Cover Madonna and Child 2023 Booklet Cover Back

Madonna and Child 2023 OFDC Back Madonna and Child 2023 OFDC Back

1 stamp, booklet of 12, FDC, cancel
offset

Canada Post issues both a secular and a religious stamp for Christmas. 

Canadian Winters:
Jocelyne Saulnier of Joce Creative

I am super excited to share that I designed Canada Post’s 2023 holiday stamp series. It has been a pleasure to work with the ever talented Tim Zeltner, of i2i Illustrations, who’s beautiful and unique folk art style brought this concept to life: a continuous, magical winter scene featuring a panorama of Canada from West to East.  
Joce described working on this project Canada Post | Joce Creative

Artist: Tim Zeltner
Illustrator Tim Zeltner | Represented by i2i Art Inc.

Designers: 
Madonna and Child: Adrian Horvath
Horvath designed one of Canada posts most popular sets the 2021 Snow Mammals. Horvath’s first stamp design was the 2016
Star Trek 50th Anniversary set. 

Release date: November 2, 2023


Christmas Island

Christmas Island cancel 

Santa Christmas Island  stamp Blue footed Boobie, turtle Christmas Island stamp  

Christmas Island Christmas Minisheet

Christmas Island Christmas packChristmas Island  pack Christmas Island Christmas Sheetlet of 10 Stamps 

 Christmas Island Christmas First Day Cover Christmas Island Christmas First Day Cover (Minisheet) 

2 stamps, 2 FDCs, souvenir sheet, sheet, 2 stamp packs
offset lithography

Artist: Rosie Marshall
Designer: Sonia Young

Release date: November 1, 2023


Croatia

 

Croatia Christmas 2023 

Croatia Christmas suvenir sheet2023 

Croatia Christmas FDC 2023 

Croaatia Christmas full sheet 2023

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, souvenir sheet, sheets of 20
offset

Designer: Ariana Noršić

Release date: November 22, 2023


Cyprus

Cyprus 2023 Christmas stamp with Christmas tree Cyprus 2023 Christmas carollers on stamp Cyprus 2023 Christmas with manger scene 

Cyprus 2023 Christmas FDC with two stampsCyprus 2023 Christmas FDC 

Cyprus 2023 Christmas sheet Cyprus 2023 Christmas carollers sheet Cyprus 2023 Christmas manger scene sheet 

Cyprus 2023 Christmas maxi with christmas tree Cyprus 2023 Christmas carollers maxxi Cyprus 2023 Christmas manger scene maxi

3 stamps, 2 FDCs, 3 sheets of 8, 3 maxicards

Release date: November 17, 2023


Denmark

Christmas Forest

Christmas 2023 Denmark 

Christmas 2023 Denmark   Christmas 2023 Denmark

10 stamps, mini sheet of 5, sheet of 10, full sheet of 50

Designer: Lisa Grue 
About Lisa Grue

Release date: November 3, 2023


Faroe Islands

Sheltered Workshops and Activity Centres – Angels 
Series: Christmas

Sheltered Workshops and Activity Centres - Angels 
Sheltered Workshops and Activity Centres - Angels 
 

Sheltered Workshops and Activity Centres - Angels 
Sheltered Workshops and Activity Centres - Angels 
Sheltered Workshops and Activity Centres - Angels 
Sheltered Workshops and Activity Centres - Angels 

2 stamps, 2 maxi cards, FDC, cancel, 2 postcards
offset

Christmas Angels created by Sheltered Workshops for sale

The angels are all handmade and unique. We aim for the process of producing the objects to be creative, and to evolve and contribute to the development of competence and inventive abilities. There is a lot of work behind each angel. No single citizen creates the whole angel himself or herself, but everyone does their part. One makes the body, another the wings, a third the halo, etc. In this way, the angel shows how people with different characteristics can work and progress together. No one is able to do everything. Everyone can do something – and together we can do a lot. Stamps.fo

Designer: Dagtilhaldið Fragdin and Verkhúsið Virkni

Release date: October 23, 2023


Christmas Seals  

Christmas seals Christmas seals cards

15 seals on a sheet that form a larger angel, Christmas cards
offset

Designer: Jonna Ljósá

Release date: October 23, 2023


Finland

Winter Joy

Winter Joy  

Winter Joy 

Winter Joy

1 stamp, sheets of 10, FDC, cancel
offset

Since childhood, Minna has been interested in animals, especially owls.

“My grandmother had a stuffed owl, and I drew friends for it as a child. I still draw owls, and they have already made it to quite a few places. I’m happy that they can also show themselves on winter stamps.”

There is also a story behind the apple tree on the Christmas stamp.

“In front of our cottage’s porch, we have a winter apple tree with apples that are firmly attached to the branches. I look forward to the first snowfall in the fall and the beautiful accumulation of snow on the apples. Red apples are also associated with Christmas, so I decided to include winter apples on the stamp,” Minna says.

Posti blog – Private – Posti

Designer: Minna Lehväslaiho

Release date: November 8, 2023


Christmas Wreath

Christmas Wreath 

Christmas Wreath sheet FDC 

Christmas Wreath sheet

1 stamp, sheets of 10, FDC, cancel
 

“We have six cats at home and I sketched them for the stamps as well, but in the end we ended up choosing squirrels and a Christmas wreath for the Finnish Christmas stamps.” Minna Lehväslaiho writing about 2023’s animal theme.

Designer: Minna Lehväslaiho
Postcards by Minna Lehväslaiho

Release date: November 8, 2023


Great Britain

The Stars are Brightly shining cancel 

UK Christmas stamp angels announcing UK Christmas stamp 3 kings UK Christmas stamp manager UK Christmas stamp UK Christmas stamp sheeps in the field 

UK Christmas stamp souvenir sheet 

UK Christmas stamp FDC UK Christmas stamp FDC 

UK Christmas stamp collector's sheet 

UK Christmas stamp booklet UK Christmas stamp booklet UK Christmas stamp booklet presentation pack

5 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, 2 booklet packs, presentation pack, collector’s sheet
Gravure

Designer: Steers McGillan Eves
Artist: Tom Duxbury

Release date: November 2, 2023


Greece

Greece Christmas cancel

Christmas Stamps 2023 2 stamps  

Greece Christmas  souvenir sheetGreece Christmas  FDC

Greece Christmas  booklet one Greece Christmas  booklet 2 Greece Christmas  stamp pack

2 stamps, souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel, 2 booklets, stamp pack
offset with gold printing

Designer: Anthoula Lynga
Lynga also designed Greece’s 2023 EUROMED: Kalamata Dance Festival stamps.

Release date: November 2, 2023


Guernsey

The Christmas Story

Guernsey Christmas Story 87p sheet of 10 Guernsey Christmas Story 56p sheet of 10 Guernsey Christmas Story 51p sheet of 10      

3 stamps, 3 booklets of 10

Designer: Alexandra Ball 

Release date: November 27, 2023 


Jersey

What does Christmas mean to you?

What does Christmas mean to you? 8 stamps 

What does Christmas mean to you? FDC 

What does Christmas mean to you? presentation pack 

What does Christmas mean to you? sheets What does Christmas mean to you? postcards

8 stamps, FDC, cancel, presentation pack, 8 sheets of 8, 8 postcards 
lithography plus spot litho metallic silver ink

Jersey Post asked 8 local artists to create a stamp that answers the question “what does Christmas mean to you?”  

Designers:  

  • Will Bertram
  • Dean Porter
  • Glen Fox
  • Erin Brown
  • Louise Ramsay
  • Rosemary Blackmore
  • Gabriella Street
  • Lauren Radley 

Release date: November 11, 2023


Isle of Man

Manx Winter Wildlife – Christmas 2023

Manx Winter Wildlife - Christmas 2023 Robin Manx Winter Wildlife - Christmas 2023 Seal Manx Winter Wildlife - Christmas 2023 Manx cat Manx Winter Wildlife - Christmas 2023 Puffin Manx Winter Wildlife - Christmas 2023 Hare Manx Winter Wildlife - Christmas 2023 sheep

        Manx Winter Wildlife - Christmas 2023 Post n goes Manx Winter Wildlife - Christmas 2023 FDC 2Manx Winter Wildlife - Christmas 2023 FDC Manx Winter Wildlife - Christmas 2023 post and goes sheets Manx Winter Wildlife - Christmas 2023 sheets

Manx Winter Wildlife - Christmas 2023 presentation pack Manx Winter Wildlife - Christmas 2023 presentation pack

6 stamps, 6 post and goes, 2 FDCs, cancel 6 sheets of 20 
offset, 4 colour offset with silver PMS Metallic Silver

  • Cleeau-Yiarg – Robin at Old Ballaugh Church
  • Keyrrey Loaghtyn – Loaghtan Sheep at Cregneash
  • Mwaagh ny Sleityn – Mountain Hare at Peel Castle
  • Pibbin – Puffin at The Sound
  • Kayt Manninagh – Manx Cat at Tynwald Hill
  • Raun – Seal in Laxey Bay

Artist: Rowan Corlett
Corlett is a Manx based artist who specialises in the landscapes and wildlife of Man

Release date: October 26, 2023


Jersey

What does Christmas mean to you?

What does Christmas mean to you? 8 stamps 

What does Christmas mean to you? FDC 

What does Christmas mean to you? presentation pack 

What does Christmas mean to you? sheets What does Christmas mean to you? postcards

8 stamps, FDC, cancel, presentation pack, 8 sheets of 8, 8 postcards 
lithography plus spot litho metallic silver ink

Jersey Post asked 8 local artists to create a stamp that answers the question  “what does Christmas mean to you?”  

Designers:  

  • Will Bertram
  • Dean Porter
  • Glen Fox
  • Erin Brown
  • Louise Ramsay
  • Rosemary Blackmore
  • Gabriella Street
  • Lauren Radley 

Release date: November 11, 2023


Netherlands

Netherlands Christmas stamp 2023 Netherlands Christmas stamp 2023 Netherlands Christmas stamp 2023 Netherlands Christmas stamp 2023 Netherlands Christmas stamp 2023 Netherlands Christmas stamp 2023 Netherlands Christmas stamp 2023 Netherlands Christmas stamp 2023 Netherlands Christmas stamp 2023 Netherlands Christmas stamp 2023

10 stamps, sheets of 20

The artist Linde Faas created each stamp with a different sentiment and mood meant to evoke a warm, nostalgic Christmas memory. She wrote extensively on her Instagram page about each stamp. The first one, The hare and the letter, was a test stamp for the series. As she created it, the theme of “Christmas Magic” came to mind. 

 The magic of the winter- and Christmas period. Of the nature of winter and of the special moment of receiving a written envelope, not knowing yet what it holds inside.

Each illustration is an attempt to “capture” a slice of Christmas magic. 

Designer: Linde Faas

Release date: December 13, 2023


San Marino

Christmas 2023

Madonna of the Magnificat 1481  Uffizi Gallery Florence
 stamp cancel 

Madonna of the Magnificat 1481  Uffizi Gallery Florence
 stamp 

Madonna of the Magnificat 1481  Uffizi Gallery Florence
 stamp

1 stamp, sheets of 12, cancel
offset

Artist: Botticelli
Painting: “Virgin with Child and Angels” (“Madonna of the Magnificat”) 1481, tempura 
Location: Uffizi Gallery, Florence

Release date: October 24, 2023

The Christmas of Wonders – Special Cancel

First Tower of San Marino covered in snow and surrounded by stars

First Tower of San Marino covered in snow and surrounded by stars

Issued to coincide with the annual “The Christmas of Wonders” of the Republic of San Marino.

Release date: November 11, 2023 to Epiphany 2024


Serbia

Christmas Serbia 2023 single stamp 

Christmas Serbia 2023 single stamp FDC 

Christmas Serbia 2023 single stamp sheets 

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 25
offset

Designer: MA Nadežda Skočajić
Nadežda Skočajić / Krojačeva škola (krojacevaskola.com)

Release date: December 15, 2023


Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Christmas 2023 Sri Lanka Christmas 2023

Sri Lanka Christmas 2023 

2 stamps, souvenir sheet
offset

Gift of the Magi

 No designer listed

Release date: December 1, 2023


Sweden

 Winter Blooms

Christmas 2023
winter Blooms

 Christmas 2023
winter Blooms
 
1 stamp, 10 stamps in booklet form, FDC, coils  
offset

 

Designer: Rebecca Elfast
Elfast originally trained as an architect. She now works as a freelance illustrator and pattern designer. She previously designed Åland’s Christmas 2021
Rebelform – Illustration and Pattern Design by Rebecca Elfast – Illustration

Release date: November 2, 2023


Switzerland

Snow crystals

Switzerland Christmas 2023 

Switzerland Christmas 2023 Switzerland Christmas 2023 Switzerland Christmas 2023  

Switzerland Christmas 2023

4 stamps, 2 FDCs, 2 cancels
offset

“I was watching how the snow crystals covered the fir trees, and I imagined deer, mice and rabbits running around, happily collecting snow crystals to decorate their own Christmas trees.” Aura Naomi Schoppig Ruiz

Designer: Aura Naomi Schoppig Ruiz

Release date: November 8, 2023


Gifts of Saint Nicholas

Gifts of Saint Nicholas cancels 2 Gifts of Saint Nicholas souvenir sheetGifts of Saint Nicholas FDC 

StNikolas maxi

1 stamp, souvenir sheet of 5, FDC, 2 cancels, maxicard
offset, foil embossing

Charity stamp

On the postal issue “Gifts of St. Nicholas” in the interpretation of the famous Ukrainian illustrator Kostya Lavro, it was possible to combine two significant holidays for Ukrainians. Preserving the traditional children’s image of St. Nicholas, a kind grandfather-magician, the artist skillfully recreated and supplemented it with relevant details. Yes, Nicholas does not fly through the sky on a sleigh, but rides on a Cossack horse. He has a camouflage bag filled with military equipment: planes, tanks, missiles, which are desperately needed by the Ukrainian army for our Victory.
We combine special holidays: Ukrposhta presented the postage stamp “Gifts of St. Nicholas”

Designer: Kost Lavro

Release date: December 6, 2023


Holiday Post Marks

Holiday Post Marks Ukraine Holiday Post Marks Ukraine Holiday Post Marks Ukraine Holiday Post Marks Ukraine Holiday Post Marks Ukraine Holiday Post Marks Ukraine

 

Release dates vary: Between December 3, 2023 to January 6, 2024


Ukrainian Christmas Carols in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

Ukrainian Christmas Carols in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra cancels 

Ukrainian Christmas Carols in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Souvenir sheet Ukrainian Christmas Carols in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra FDC Ukrainian Christmas Carols in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Maxi 

Ukrainian Christmas Carols in the Kyiv-Pechersk LavraUkrainian Christmas Carols in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Booklet cover front Ukrainian Christmas Carols in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra booklet cover back 

1 stamp on souvenir sheet, FDC, 2 cancels, maxi card, booklet
offset

  • Assumption Cathedral. 17th century (Kyiv)
  • Give a happy summer to our glorious Ukraine
  • Assumption Cathedral. XVIII-XX centuries. (Kyiv)

 

Designer: Mykola Kochubey | Миколай Кочубей

Release date: December 22, 2023


United States

Snow Globes
Snow Globes
 

4 stamps

Christmas snow globes will pop up sometime in fall for the Christmas season. Gregory Manchess created 4 different winter/Christmas themes featuring snowmen, Santa, deer and a Christmas tree. 

Artist: Gregory Manchess

Release date: September 19, 2023


Vatican

Holy Christmas MMXXIII

Holy Christmas MMXXIII

1 stamp, booklet of 2 stamps
offset

Artist: Franciscan friar Michelangelo Cianti
Painting: Miracle of Greccio 1902
Location: Franciscan convent of San Bonaventura, in Frascati

Release date: November 23, 2023

Glimpsing Jersey’s fascinating history – knit faster

Glimpsing Jersey’s fascinating history – knit faster

Jersey Post will release a second set of stamps for their fabulous Jersey Industries series on November 2, 2023. The new set, History of Knitting, is an interesting companion piece to the 2021 150 Years of Brewing in Jersey set by artist Chris Wormell. Hands down, the Brewing souvenir sheet ranks as my favourite Jersey stamp and one of my all time world favourites.

150 Years of Brewing in Jersey souvenir sheet
150 Years of Brewing in Jersey souvenir sheet
Ann Street Brewery delivery vehicle from the 1920s

Everything about this set is spot on, but the souvenir sheet is the stand out. It successfully evokes a sense of the 1920s plus that is a kickass truck!

In an inspired choice, Jersey Post invited Wormell back to create the 2023 series and there is much more to it than meets the eye. It’s not just about knitting. Wormell successfully weaves a tale of the people who called Jersey home and how knitting became integral to their story.

Art and artistry of knitting and war

Collectors of Jersey stamps may be familiar with Chris Wormell’s work. He also designed Jersey’s 2016 Centenary of the Great War III.

Chris is a self-taught artist who’s passion for early woodcuts shines through in his style. He uses a variety of techniques and tools ranging from linocut to digital art. His work has graced everything from children’s books to magazines covers and coffee packaging. His work is distinctive, and quickly identifiable.

[I read] the brief carefully, make a sketch or sketches (more often than not, digitally as this allows more scope for adjustment and refinement – using erasure, transparency and multiple layers). Once the sketch is approved, make a start on the finished image – wood engraving or linocut or a digital version of either, or, if it’s one of my children’s books, a watercolour or ink drawing. Whatever the process of creation everything these days ends up as a digital file where final adjustments can be made.
Chris talking about his design process

Meet the Artists – Chris Wormell – The Artworks Illustration Agency (theartworksinc.com)

His artwork creates a sense of nostalgia without becoming maudlin about the past. In a 2020 interview with the Wall Street Journal, Wornell described himself as “a bit backward-looking” and explained his favourite art, as a child, were the wood-engravings by 18th c illustrator Thomas Bewick. This historical approach to design is a perfect fit for Jersey Post’s Industries series.

Knit away, but not in church

Natura exenterata: or nature unbowelled by the most exquisite anatomizers of her. Wherein are contained her choicest secrets digested into receipts, fitted for the cure of all sorts of infirmities by Philiatros,

The image on the right is a page from one of the earliest known publications to include knitting instructions. The book is a curious mix of medical advice, gout cures, which bait to use when fishing and knitting instructions. It was a catch all book.

Published in 1655, by H. Twiford in London, it offers the reader “Many Rare, hitherto un-imparted Inventions, for Gentlemen, Ladies and others, the the Recreations of their different Imployments” (front piece of the book).

Page from book

The History of Knitting takes a look at the craft’s importance to both the Island as well as … well knitting itself. Think in terms of Jersey knit, Jersey socks and of course the famous Jersey sweater. As expected, Jersey Post’s press release department sent along an excellent write up on the stamps, which I am going to shamelessly pilfer from.

Over half the population engaged in knitting in the 1600 and 1700s, men, women and children. The first question that comes to mind is why did knitting become all consuming? “Due to the Island’s neutral position between warring England and Europe in the 16th – 17th centuries, Jersey was strategically placed to receive wool exports from England and develop a flourishing industry in the production and export of fine knitted goods to Europe”.

Because of this, knitting became a profitable sideline and a primary cottage industry Island wide. Knitting was everywhere – men driving horse carts would pull over and knit for awhile, knitting took place in pubs, at home, during meetings, even in churches. Almost every part of Jersey society became involved.

“… the work became so profitable that historians estimate at one point 60% of the population was involved in knitting, and over 6000 pairs of stockings were being exported to Europe each week”.

Knitting mini sheet on a FDC
Knitting FDC with all 6 stamps

“The island’s quality goods were appreciated across Europe and England. Queen Elizabeth I was said to delight in a gifted pair of Jersey stockings from Sir Walter Raleigh (Lieutenant Governor of the Island at the time) and Mary Queen of Scots is said to have been wearing a pair of Jersey stockings at her execution”

The stamp pack cover is pure delight, showing Governor Raleigh gifting a pair of yellow Jersey stockings to the Queen. Perhaps if he’d offered more Jersey knits, he might have kept his head?

Raleigh gifting stockings to ERI
Raleigh gifting stockings to Elizabeth I from the front of the stamp pack

Knitting became so consuming, there were reports of church officials complaining about the incessant clicking of needles during sermons. Ministers feared they were not being heard over the racket. It became so problematic, edicts were passed forbidding knitting in church.

Knitters clicking above the sermon
Knitting becomes problematic & the Church gets touchy about it

A growing evil – hear that knitters!

It wasn’t just the Church raising concerns about excessive knitting. In 1606 the Jersey government issued an an Order in State forbidding anyone over the age of 15 from knitting during seaweed harvesting season. Knitting was profitable for anyone who could master the needles and far less backbreaking. Officials worried the profits from knitting would interfere with regular work, especially seaweed (vraic) gathering, so a prohibition was issued during the vraic season.

Problems persisted even after the 1606 Order, so much so that it caught King Charles I’s attention 40 years later in 1649. In a letter to the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey, Charles expressed concern over the “growing evill” and mischief created by the Island’s competitive business.

Charles R.
Whereas wee are given to understand, that a very great obstruction is lately growne in the trade of wosted stockings (the chiefe comodity whch that our Isle doth yeald) by reason that such persons as dryve that trade, doe, for the most part, circumvent each other therein (to the notable prejudice of the whole Isle, & apparent ruyne, yf not tymely prevented, of many thousands of our subjects there, who subsist by that onely manufacture) Wee being very apprehensive of the sundry great inconveniences & mischiefes lykely to ensue, unles a speedy remedy be applyed to this growing evill, doe therfore, seriously recomend the care thereof unto you, & accordingly will & require you, that, upon conference had with the merchants who deale in that trade, you settle such a course therin for the future, (cyther by erection of a Company amongst them, or otherwise) as you shall judge most to conduce to the furtherance of the sayd trade: & of what you shall doe, to this end, wee expect to receave particular account win the space of three monthes next ensuing. Given under our Signett at St Germain, the 17 day of August 1649.
By his Majesties Comand.
ROB LONG:”

insert letter from King 1649 letter to the island authorities by Charles I, concerning knitting
Letter from King 1649 letter to the island authorities by Charles I, concerning the evils of knitting

Complaints were raised about merchants interfering with each other as competition grew more fierce. It appears Charles felt obligated to step in to suggest a solution to the increasingly zealous trade. This wasn’t hobby knitting, it was a serious and lucrative business.

Each panel tells a little more of Jersey’s fascinating history

Chris Wormell lays out the story of knitting in a 6 panel setup, with each frame telling part of the tale. From wool gathering to the final product, each frame is accompanied by a beautiful little bit of selvedge showing a classic knitting pattern.

To the good folks at Jersey Post, the Ann Street Brewery truck is still my favourite. What do you have planned for series 3?

Armenia’s stamp program – history & food

Armenia’s stamp program – history & food

One of the highlights of Armenia’s stamp program is their understated yearly Kingdom of Van series. Every year, a new set highlights treasures from the ancient kingdom (9th-8th centuries BCE to 7th century BCE) that ruled the eastern Anatolia region. They left behind a rich trove of architecture, art, rock carvings and stone sculptures. These are easy to over-look, but its worth the time to research the series. 

This year’s vibrantly appealing artwork is a winged flying bull,

With so much to choose from, its often hard to say just one series is the “best of the year”. Armenia dives deep into their past to create a program that could be used as lesson in the country’s history and culture. Picking the best of 2022 was a tough choice, but there was a clear winner. Beating out the delicious set featuring the Armenian specialty Gata, September’s Flora and Fauna series by Աշխեն (Միլա) Խանձրածյանի | Ashkhen (Mila) Khandrazyan was the real standout.

Face it, the cat (Pallas’s cat), with those grand whiskers is hard to top. Combined with the traditional artwork on the flowers and background, you have a set that is an instant classic.

This year I’ve waited a little longer to post Armenia’s 2023 stamp program. I wanted to make sure I had lots of FDCs to post. They often trickle in well after the stamp scans are released, and honestly, the covers flesh out the topics. Postcards have been released and they’ll soon populate the program over the next couple of weeks.

February

Armenian and Slovakian Religious Architecture
Armenia-Slovakia Joint Edition
Topics: religion | 
architecture

Armenian and Slovakian Architecture
Armenia-Slovakia Joint Edition MOnestary
Armenian and Slovakian Architecture
Armenia -Slovakia Joint Edition

 

Armenian and Slovakian Religious Architecture
Armenia-Slovakia Joint Edition
Topics: religion | architecture FDC
Armenian and Slovakian Religious Architecture
Armenia-Slovakia Joint Edition
Topics: religion | architecture folder

2 stamps, FDC, cancel, joint folder
offset

  • Tatev Monastery in the southeast province of Syunik was built in 9th c.
  • Church of Saint George in Nitrianska Blatnitska, Slovakia

Designer: Peter Augustovich Պետեր Աուգուստովիչի

Release date: February 28, 2023


April

Anna Aslan – Biologist
Armenia-Romania Joint Edition
Topic: famous people

Anna Aslan - biologist
Armenia-Romania Joint Edition
Topic: famous people
Anna Aslan - biologist
Armenia-Romania Joint Edition
Topic: famous people
Anna Aslan - biologist
Armenia-Romania Joint Edition
Topic: famous people
Anna Aslan - biologist
Armenia-Romania Joint Edition
Topic: famous people
Anna Aslan - biologist
Armenia-Romania Joint Edition
Topic: famous people

Anna Aslan - Biologist Armenia-Romania Joint Edition Topic: famous people

Anna Aslan - Biologist Armenia-Romania Joint Edition Topic: famous people

2 stamps, 2 souvenir sheets, 2 sheets of 10, FDC, cancel, souvenir folder
offset

Romanian physician of Armenian heritage. The two portraits used in this issue were created by Armenian artist David Dovlatyan and Romanian artist Mihail Womosheski

Designer: David Dovlatyan, Mihail Womosheski Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի, Միհայիլ Վոմոշեսկուի

Release date: April 3, 2023


Kingdom of Van (Urartu)
17th in the series
Topic: history

bronze throne figurines from the 7th c BCE were used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
bronze throne figurines from the 7th c BCE were used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
bronze throne figurines from the 7th c BCE were used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
bronze throne figurines from the 7th c BCE were used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
bronze throne figurines from the 7th c BCE were used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
bronze throne figurines from the 7th c BCE were used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
bronze throne figurines from the 7th c BCE were used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
bronze throne figurines from the 7th c BCE were used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
bronze throne figurines from the 7th c BCE were used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia

   

bronze throne figurines from the 7th c BCE were used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia sheets
bronze throne figurines from the 7th c BCE were used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia sheets
bronze throne figurines from the 7th c BCE were used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia sheets
bronze throne figurines from the 7th c BCE were used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia sheets
bronze throne figurines from the 7th c BCE were used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia sheets
bronze throne figurines from the 7th c BCE were used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia sheets
bronze throne figurines from the 7th c BCE were used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia sheets
bronze throne figurines from the 7th c BCE were used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia sheets
bronze throne figurines from the 7th c BCE were used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia sheets

 

9 stamps, 9 sheets of 20
offset

This long running series highlights treasures from the Kingdom of Van. This year a bronze throne figurine from the 7th c BCE was used. All the photos were taken at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. 

This piece represents a winged flying bull and is piece from an 8th to 7th c BCE throne. The Hermitage acquired it in 1885.
Art works (hermitagemuseum.org)

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի
Photographer:  Vladimir Terebenini Վլադիմիր Տերեբենինի

Release date: April 11, 2023


May

Metro/Subway
Topic: transportation

Metro/Subway
Topic: transportation

Metro/Subway
Topic: transportation

1 stamp, sheets of 10
offset

Yerevan Metro cover 13 km of tracks in the Armenian capital. 

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date:  May 4, 2023


Pasut Dolma 
Topics: traditional Armenian cuisine | food

Pasut Dolma 
Topics: traditional Armenian cuisine | food

 

Pasut Dolma 
Topics: traditional Armenian cuisine | food

Pasut Dolma  Topics: traditional Armenian cuisine FDC
Pasut Dolma 
Topics: traditional Armenian cuisine souvenir folder

1 stamp, souvenir sheet of 6, FDC, cancel, souvenir folder
offset

A delicious holiday meal made of beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas, and semolina, wrapped in cabbage or grape leaves. 

Designer: Rem Saccani Ռեմ Սահակյանի
Photographer: Anahit Karanyan Անահիտ Կարապետյանի

Release date: May 9, 2023


Nikol Aghbalyan’s 150th birthday
Topic: famous Armenians

Nikol Aghbalyan's 150th birthday
Topic: famous Armenians

 

Nikol Aghbalyan's 150th birthday
Topic: famous Armenians
Nikol Aghbalyan's 150th birthday
Topic: famous Armenians FDC
Nikol Aghbalyan's 150th birthday
Topic: famous Armenians

1 stamp, sheets of 8, souvenir folder
offset

18th century Armenian poet and writer known for his contributions to Armenian literature. Played a role in the cultural and literary revival of the Armenian language. He translated classical works into Armenian, making them accessible to a wider Armenian audience.

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: May 10, 2023


100th Anniversary of the Birth of Karp Khachvankyan (1923-1998)
Topic: famous Armenians

100th Anniversary of the Birth of Karp Khachvankyan
Topic: famous Armenians

 

100th Anniversary of the Birth of Karp Khachvankyan
Topic: famous Armenians

100th Anniversary of the Birth of Karp Khachvankyan FDC

1 stamp, sheets of 8, FDC, cancel
offset

Nicknamed “King of laughter”. Actor & director.

 Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: May 11, 2023


Hrachya Ghaplanyan’s 100th birthday
Topic: famous Armenians

Hrachya Ghaplanyan's 100th birthday
Topic: famous Armenians
Hrachya Ghaplanyan's 100th birthday
Topic: famous Armenians

Hrachya Ghaplanyan's 100th birthday FDC

1 stamp, sheets of 8, FDC, cancel
offset

Designer: Rem Saccani Ռեմ Սահակյանի

Release date: May 14, 2023


Puy-Puy
Topic: cartoons

Pu-Puy
Topic: cartoons

 

Pu-Puy
Topic: cartoons

 

Puy-Puy
Topic: cartoons

1 stamp, sheets of 8, FDC, cancel
offset

Educational television cartoon created by Robert Sahakyants. It premiered in 2022. Each episode includes bits about Armenian folklore, history, and culture.

Designer: Rem Saccani Ռեմ Սահակյանի

Release date: May 16, 2023


June

Saroyan Brothers
Topic: Armenian films | cinema

Saroyan Brothers
Topic: Armenian films | cinema

Saroyan Brothers

1 stamp on souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel
offset

1968 Armenian film Brothers of Saroyan

Designer: Rem Saccani Ռեմ Սահակյանի

Release date: June 7, 2023


100th Anniversary of the Birth of Ghukas Chubaryan (1923-2007)
Topic: famous Armenians

100th Anniversary of the Birth of Ghukas Chubaryan
Topic: famous Armenians

 

100th Anniversary of the Birth of Ghukas Chubaryan
Topic: famous Armenians

100th Anniversary of the Birth of Ghukas Chubaryan
100th Anniversary of the Birth of Ghukas Chubaryan

1 stamp, sheets of 10, FDC, cancel, souvenir foler

Artist, sculptor known for his part in the modernist movement in Armenian.

Designer: Rem Saccani Ռեմ Սահակյանի

Release date: June 15, 2023


The 850th Anniversary of the Death of Nerses the Gracious
Topics: religion

The 850th Anniversary of the Death of Nerses the Gracious
Topics: religion

FDC Nerses shnorhali
850th Anniversary of the Death of Nerses the Gracious

1 stamp on souvenir sheet, FDC. cancel, souvenir folder
offset

Stamp depicts Nerses D. Klayetsi, poet, chronicler, theologian, musician, and translator (1102-1173)

This date was included in this year’s UNESCO’s Famous People and Important Events 2022-2023 calendar.

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: June 19, 2023


July

House of Communication
Topics: architecture

House of Communication
Topics: architecture
House of Communication
Topics: architecture

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 8
offset

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: July 9, 2023


Cultural Crimes
Topics: culture | architecture

Cultural crimes showing destruction of cemetary

fdc Culturel crime

2 stamps on 2 souvenir sheets, FDC, cancel
offset

Highlights the destruction of the Cemetery in Julfa. Also known as the Djulfa Cemetery or Jugha Cemetery.

Julfa was one of the most important Armenian cemeteries, with a history going back to the 9th century. A estimated 10,000 to 20,000 khachkars (elaborately carved cross stones) and other tombstones were contained there.

In the early 2000s, the cemetery was deliberately destroyed with heavy machinery by Azerbaijan authorities.

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: July 10, 2023


100th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig Mirzoyan (1923-1999)
Topics: Famous Armenians

100th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig Mirzoyan
100th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig Mirzoyan
100th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig Mirzoyan

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 8
offset

Sharelatex Example (bao.am)

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: July 23, 2023


September

Eighth Media Summer Games

Eighth Media Summer Games
FDC games

1 stamp on souvenir sheet
offset

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: September 18, 2023


The History of Aviation

The History of Aviation
The History of Aviation FDC
The History of Aviation

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, souvenir folder

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: September 26, 2023


100th anniversary of the birth of Academician Faday Sargsyan

100th anniversary of the birth of Academician Faday Sargsyan
Fadey FDC for print
100th anniversary of the birth of Academician Faday Sargsyan souvenir sheet

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 10

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: September 18, 2023


October

Great Armenians – 100th Anniversary of Hakob Hakobian’s Birth  (1923-2013)

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի
FDC of Hakobyan - Armenian artist

1 stamp on sheets sheetlet of 6, FDC, cancel
offset

Հակոբ Հակոբյանը Hakob Hakobian was an Armenian artist. The Art of Armenian Artist Hakob Hakobian | IANYAN Magazine has a brief, but interesting bio on Hakobian.

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: October 9, 2023


Historical Monuments Cultural Monuments of Armenia

Historical Monuments Cultural Monuments of Armenia
Historical Monuments Cultural Monuments of Armenia

Historical Monuments Cultural Monuments of Armenia FDC with both stamps
Historical Monuments Cultural Monuments of Armenia souvenir folder
Historical Monuments Cultural Monuments of Armenia sheet one
Historical Monuments Cultural Monuments of Armenia sheet two

1 stamp on sheets sheetlet of 6, FDC, cancel
offset

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի
Photographers: Cameron Apikyan (Church of the Holy Scriptures, Orotnavan Monastery), Cachic Harassy (Church of the Holy Scriptures)

Release date: October 13, 2023


National Award for Global Investment in Higher Technology

National Award for Global Investment in Higher Technology
National Award for Global Investment in Higher Technology

souvenir folder, FDC, cancel

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: October 16, 2023


National Dancing
Joint issue with Belarus

Vahagn Mkrtchyan ("Fortress" dance)
Marina Vitkovskaya (Lyavonikha dance)
Vahagn Mkrtchyan ("Fortress" dance) Marina Vitkovskaya (Lyavonikha dance)
Vahagn Mkrtchyan ("Fortress" dance) Marina Vitkovskaya (Lyavonikha dance) sheet
Vahagn Mkrtchyan ("Fortress" dance)
Marina Vitkovskaya (Lyavonikha dance) FDC
Vahagn Mkrtchyan ("Fortress" dance)
Marina Vitkovskaya (Lyavonikha dance) folder

2 stamps, souvenir sheetlet of 4, FDC, cancel, souvenir folder
offset

Designers:

Վահագն Մկրտչյանի («Բերդ» պար)
Մարինա Վիտկովսկայայի («Լյավոնիխա» պար)

Vahagn Mkrtchyan (“Fortress” dance)
Marina Vitkovskaya (Lyavonikha dance)

Release date: October 29, 2023


November

Lunar New Year – Year of the Dragon

Lunar New Year Armenia FDC cancel
Lunar New Year Armenia single stamp
Lunar New Year Armenia FDC
Lunar new year.sheet
Lunar New Year folder Armenia

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 8
lithography

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: November 1, 2023


73th Anniversary of the Victory of Ararat-50

Sports. 73th Anniversary of the Victory of Ararat-50 souvenir sheet
Sports. 73th Anniversary of the Victory of Ararat-50FDC
Sports. 73th Anniversary of the Victory of Ararat-50 folder

1 stamp on souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel, souvenir folder

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: November 7, 2023


100th Anniversary of the Foundation of Armenian Film

100th Anniversary of the Foundation of Armenian Film
souvenir sheet with one stamp
100th Anniversary of the Foundation of Armenian Film FDC
100th Anniversary of the Foundation of Armenian Film folder

1 stamp on souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel, souvenir folder
offset

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: November 14, 2023


European Championship of Boxing

European Championship of Boxing
European Championship of Boxing
European Championship of Boxing

1 stamp on souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel, souvenir folder
offse

Designer: Vahan Baptist Վահագն Մկրտչյան

Release date: November 30, 2023


December

Philatelic Exhibition – Armenian Association of Philatelics

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

1 card
Limited to 500 copies

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: December 3, 2023


Christmas 2023

Armenian Christmas 2023

1 stamp on souvenir sheet
offset

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: December 5, 2023


Armenian Carpets

Armenian carpets

1 stamp

This stamp is embroidered, with an adhesive backing

“Lori-Pambak” carpet is characterized by a cross design. This type of carpet was especially widespread in the carpet-making centers of Gugark, Artsakh, Syunik, as well as Vanand and Javakhk, but it is more characteristic of Lori and Pambak.”Online Shop | Stamps of Armenia

Designers: Teryan Cultural Center Տերյան մշակութային կենտրոն

Release date: December 21, 2023


World Renowned Armenians: Aram Khachatryan (1903-1978)

Aram Khachaturian stamp
khachaturyan sheet
Aram Khachaturian FDC

Aram Khachatryan is a UNESCO recognised composer, considered one of the most influential of the 20th century. He was included in the UNESCO’s Memory of the World program in 2013.

Biography – Aram Khachaturian Museum (akhachaturianmuseum.am) has a great site on Aram

Aram previously appeared on a stamp in 2019.

Designer: Vahan Baptist Վահագն Մկրտչյան

Release date: December 26, 2023


Armenia’s Flora and Fauna

Flora & Fauna 5 sheet

Flora & Fauna of Armenia FDC

4 stamps, 4 sheets of 10, souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel

  • Pyrus caucasica – common pear or Caucasian Pear
  • Iris demetrii – Hirik Dmitry
  • Vulpes vulpes – common fox
  • Sciurus anomalus – Caucasian squirrel
  •  

Designer: Vahan Baptist Վահագն Մկրտչյան

Release date: December 27, 2023


400th Anniversary of the Release of the Zildjian Cymbals

Zildjian souvenir sheet
fdc Zildjian

2 stamps on souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel

Avedis Zildjian made his first cymbals in 1623. 15 generations later, the Zildjian family still makes them.

In 1623, the Sultan granted Avedis the family name “Zildjian,” which literally means “cymbal smith”. After leaving the palace and starting his own foundry, he spent years perfecting his cymbal making techniques. His process of combining copper, tin and silver is still a closely guarded family secret, and the casting it produces possess an extraordinary musical quality and tone.

Infinite sounds, unlimited possibilities. – Zildjian

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: December 28, 2023

Auspicious Dragon presents the 2024 Lunar New Year

Auspicious Dragon presents the 2024 Lunar New Year

Dragon will soon chase off rabbit to usher in the coming 2024 Lunar New Year. Creatively speaking, this will be an awesome year. We should expect to see classic and memorable designs, especially from China, Vietnam and Korea and more than a few unorthodox interpretations of the Year of the Dragon theme. It will be a curious and fascinating look at an ancient mythological symbol.

Dragons can be found throughout the world, taking on different roles depending upon the culture writing about them. In the zodiac, dragons represent power and energy, and signifies a year of prosperity. They are deeply embedded in folk lore and mythology around the world, with many countries having age old tales of human/dragon interactions. You can read more about the dragon motif and how it has appeared on stamps, here A few curated sta … ooh look dragons! | Bitter Grounds Magazine.

Exit the Rabbit

Over 60 countries issued Lunar New Year stamps in 2023, including the first NFT stamp by the USA. Designs ranged from Argentina’s untraditional but heartwarming teacher reading to her little bunnies to Azerbaijan’s suspicious rabbits in cloaks. I have to confess, I absolutely adore the cloaked rabbits. They remind me of little spy rabbits who have seen things … very, very dark things.

Although there were a lot of captivating designs, China’s pair were the ones I grew to appreciate and love the most. Created by legendary Chinese artist Huang Yongyu 黄 永玉, the stamps tell a story about both Huang and the Rabbit.

The first stamp, titled “Wise Rabbit”, is ready with a pen and card in hand (.. paw?) to send you greetings. The blue colouring symbolises good wishes for the New Year. The second stamp is titled “Symbiosis in the Same Circle”. The rabbits are running in a circle, displaying the cycle of agility, vitality and warmth. It’s difficult to see the pattern on the 2nd stamps background, but it’s there. The pattern is described as 玉兔捣药”纹饰  or in a bad translation Jade Rabbit pounding medicine. This represents a wish for good health and happiness despite the pandemic. 

China’s Year of the Rabbit stamps revealed | Bitter Grounds Magazine

Huang Yongyu was still designing stamps and creating art up until his death in June of 2023 at the age of 98. In an interview 24 years ago, Huang said “Painting is something you do all your life. I guess, I’ll be painting until I die”. Last year, he stated he hoped to be around to design the Lunar New Year stamp when he turned 100. Unfortunately, for lovers of his work, this will not happen.

His rabbit was not received favourably by everyone. There were complaints about the “demonic” gaze of the red eyed rabbit and an overall lack of warmth and cuddliness. Despite these complaints, Huang’s stamps sold out rapidly when they went on sale. There were reports of long lineups of people eager to purchase them, a fitting tribute to Huang’s talents.

Vietnam rejoins the Lunar cycle in 2024. Vietnam’s calendar departs slightly from the zodiac animals, using a cat instead a rabbit. For the fourth year in a row artist/designer Nguyễn Quang Vinh designed the Tết (New Year) set, using bright colours and strong family oriented images to usher in the new year. I’ve already begun daily checks on Vietnam’s website in hopes of spotting an early release of their Lunar New Year design.

You can read more about this set and why Vietnam uses a different animal here Tết Quý Mão – Vietnamese New Year 2023 – Year of the Cat (bittergrounds.com).

The 2024 Lunar New Year begins

The new year begins with the rise of a new moon on Feb. 9, 2024. In anticipation of the celebration, post offices often reveal their stamps long before Feb. with many going on sale in December and January, so people can purchase stamps for the occasion. Stamps will be released throughout the year, with the majority coming between December and the first week in February. But there are always stragglers, and ones I’ve missed, so it’s always a good idea to pop back periodically to see if there are changes.

Have a prosperous New Year.

Cheers
Catpaw

A

Åland

Lunar New Year – Year of the Dragon

Lunar New Year - Year of the Dragon sheet Lunar New Year - Year of the Dragon FDC Lunar New Year - Year of the Dragon prepaid mark

Lunar New Year - Year of the Dragon post card Lunar New Year - Year of the Dragon card back side

1 stamp on souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel, prepaid postcard (red dragon)
offsest

Designer: Martin Mörck
Mörck returns once again for the next stamp in the New Year cycle. He began the series in 2014 with the Sheep. 

Release date: October 20, 2023


Armenia

Lunar New Year Armenia FDC cancel
Lunar New Year Armenia single stamp
Lunar New Year Armenia FDC
Lunar new year.sheet

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 8
lithography

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: October 31, 2023

 

2024 Lunar New Year banner one

B

Belarus

Belarus 2024 Year of the Dragon cancel 

Belarus 2024 Year of the Dragon single stamp 

 Belarus 2024 Year of the Dragon FDC 

Belarus 2024 Year of the Dragon sheet of 6 stamps

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 6 
offset, thermal printing with gold foil  

Artist: Viktar Chaichuk
Designer: Yauheniya Biadonik

Release date: January 30, 2024


Bhutan

 Bhutan Year of dragon stamp

 Bhutan Year of Dragon FDC 2024

Bhutan Year of Dragon sheet 2024

1 stamp on souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel, sheet of 12 (showing entire lunar cycle)

Designer: Bhutan Post

Release date: February 8, 2024


Bosnia Hercegovina

Lunar horoscope - year of the dragon single stamp 

 Lunar horoscope - year of the dragon FDC

Lunar horoscope - year of the dragon sheet

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 8 + label 
offset

Designer: Tanja Kuruzovic

Release date: February 9, 2024


Bulgaria

Bulgaria 2024 Year of the dragon souvenir sheet

1 stamp on souvenir sheet
Sheets are numbered with a total of 3,600 sheets released 

Designer: Angelina Konsova

Release date: February 23, 2024


C

China

Lunar New Year Dragon China

 

1 stamp

Designer/artist: 潘鲁生 Pan Lusheng
Release date: November 11, 2023

China will release a number of stamps for the Lunar New Year in January. 

Wang Huming returns for another Chinese New Year with this set of dragons:

Year of Dragon Wan Huming's stamps Year of Dragon Wan Huming's stamps Year of Dragon Wan Huming's stampsFDC 

2 stamps, FDC, cancel

Designer: Wang Huming

Release date: January 5, 2024


Christmas Island

YEar of Dragon cancel 

2024-christmas-islan-lny-dragon-3.png.auspostimage.0_0.high 2024-christmas-island-lny-dragon-2.png.auspostimage.0_0.high 2024-christmas-island-lny-dragon-1.png.auspostimage.550_0.medium

Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Minisheet 

Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon First Day Cover Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon First Day Coversouvenir sheet 

Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon International Prepaid Envelope Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon First Day Coversouvenir sheet 

Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Zodiac Sheet Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Stamp Pack Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Prepaid Postcard 

Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Calendar Sheetlet Pack Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Gutter Strips 

 

Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Prestige Postal Numismatic Cover Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Gold Minisheet in Folder Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon 888 Gold Minisheet 

Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Postal Numismatic Cover Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Postal Numismatic Cover – Dragon  Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Medallion in Card Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Medallion Cover Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Medallion Collection

3 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, 2 pre-paid covers, sheet of 15 (3×5), stamp pack, pre-paid postcard, sheet pack, 3 gutter sheets (only one shown),
numismatic and medallion covers, gold dragon souvenir sheet, gold souvenir sheet folder
offset, gold foiling

Artist: Chrissy Lau
Chrissy’s Lunar New Year designs have appeared on Guernsey’s  stamps as well as Christmas Island
Designer: Sharon Rodziewicz

Release date: January 29, 2024


F

France

  CHinese New Year - French stamps 2024 CHinese New Year - French stamps 2024 

CHinese New Year - French stamps 2024 CHinese New Year - French stamps 2024 cover

2 stamps, 2 souvenir sheets of 4, 1 souvenir sheet of 2 with cover
photogravure

On January 26, 2024 artist Chen Jiang Hong signing
from 10:30 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. and from 14:00 p.m. to 16:00 p.m.

Location: 13 bis rue des Mathurins, 75009 PARIS

Artist: Chen JIANG HONG
Designer: Bruno Ghiringhelli

Release date: January 29, 2024


G

Gibraltar

Gibraltar Year of Dragon

Year of the Dragon souvenir sheet

Year of the Dragon FDC  Year of the Dragon FDC 2

Year of the Dragon pack

Year of the Dragon pack minisheet Gibraltar Year of Dragon sheetlet

2 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, 2 presentation packs, sheets of 10
offset

Designer: Stephen Perera

Release date: February 20, 2024


H

Hong Kong

Year of the Dragon 2024 Hong Kong

4 stamps, 2 souvenir sheets, FDCs, cancel, red packs, 

Designer: Wong Chun Hong | 黃鎮康

Release date: January 5, 2024


Zodiac Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet – Rabbit Flying Dragon

Zodiac Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet - Rabbit Flying Dragon Hong Kong 2024 stamps

2 stamps on souvenir sheet, FDCs, cancel
with silver leaf and gold flakes

Designer: Wong Chun Hong | 黃鎮康

Release date: January 5, 2024


Zodiac Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet – Complete Collector’s Edition

Zodiac Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet - Complete Collector's Edition

 

24 stamps on 2 sheetlets, FDCs, cancel 

Designer: Wong Chun Hong | 黃鎮康

Release date: January 5, 2024


Hungary

Hungary 2024 Year of dragon cancel 

 Hungary 2024 Year of dragon  sheet

Hungary 2024 Year of dragon FDC

2 stamps, 1 souvenir sheets, FDC, cancel 

This is the 11th Lunar New Year stamp issued by Hungary

Designer:  Katalin Bódi

Release date:  February 1, 2024


I

Isle of Man

Isle of Man Year of the Dragon stamp one Isle of Man Year of the Dragon  stamp 4 Isle of Man Year of the Dragon  stamp 3 Isle of Man Year of the Dragon stamp two 

Isle of Man Year of the Dragon  FDC Isle of Man Year of the Dragon  presentation pack Isle of Man Year of the Dragon  sheets

4 stamps, 4 sheets of 25, FDC, cancel, presentation pack
offset, metallic gold

Artwork: Jo Davies
 “Illustrating a set of stamps has been on my bucket list, especially one celebrating such a revered symbol. It’s an honour to represent the Year of the Dragon through art.” Jo Davies Isle of Man Post Office celebrates Chinese New Year – IoM Post
Designer: EJC Design

Release date: January 22, 2024


J

Japan

Japan Year of Dragon Cancel one
Japan Year of Dragon Cancel two

 

Japan Year of Dragon Stamp showiing toy dragon
2024 Lunar New Year
Japan Year o Dragon 2
2024 Lunar New Year
Japan Year of Dragon sheet one
Japan Year of Dragon sheet two

4 stamps, 2 cancels
5 colour gravure 

Japan continues with the Children’s Toy motif using works by Kawasaki Kyosen 川崎巨泉 (1877~1942)’s Collected Illustrations of Japanese Toys (1919). 

Designer: 吉川 亜有美 Ayumi Yoshikawa
Yoshikawa began designing for Japan Post in 2017 and is now one of eight employed in Japan.

Ever since I was a child, I have loved drawing and detailed work such as handicrafts. When I was an art college student, I specialized in three-dimensional modeling …Everyone has a different way of designing stamps. I draw digitally, use watercolors and photographs.

Philatelic designer Ayumi Yoshikawa’s choice that led to a three-centimeter canvas : The Yomiuri Shimbun

Release date: November 1, 2023


Jersey

Lunar New Year - Year of the DragonJersey

Isle of Jersey's Dragon stamps souveir 

 

Lunar New Year - Year of the DragonJersey  fdc with single stampFDC sheet Lunar New Year - Year of the DragonJersey  Lunar New Year - Year of the DragonJersey  post card 

Lunar New Year - Year of the DragonJersey  pack  Lunar New Year - Year of the DragonJersey  Lunar New Year - Year of the DragonJersey   Lunar New Year - Year of the DragonJersey  shet 

1 stamp, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, postcard, 2 presentation packs, sheets of 10
offset with gold metallic ink

“… the dragon is the only zodiac animal which is a mythical creature, and is usually used as a symbol of power in China. Dragons are also seen as a symbol of good fortune, and those born within the year are considered naturally lucky and gifted. 

…. the designs are based on a Chinese style of painting and paper cutting. 

… the image on the £1.65 stamp sheet for the Lunar New Year- Year of the Dragon features a gold dragon, with a sharp red background. Golden dragons have been associated with powerful deities and harvest in Chinese culture. Additionally, red is seen as a colour of prosperity and joy…. 

The miniature sheet depicts a detailed Chinese dragon flying through the clouds. Wang Fu a Chinese historian and philosopher during the Eastern Han Dynesty suggested that the Chinese dragon’s unique appearance is due to it being a combination of many different animal features. These features include heads which are in similar shape to a camel, the ears of a bull, the antlers of a stag, the body of a snake, the armoured body belly of a clam, feet similar to a tigers, talons of an eagle and a body that includes the protective scales of a carp. … 
Roxanne Le Voguer, Philatelic Research and Marketing Executive, Jersey Post press release December 8, 2023

Designer: Wang Huming 王虎鸣

Release date: January 4, 2024

 


K

South Korea

South Korea cancel for Year of Dragon  

South Korea stamp  for Year of Dragon 

South Korea souvenir sheet for Year of Dragon 

South Korea sheets for Year of Dragon   South Korea info sheetfor Year of Dragon

2 stamps, souvenir sheet of 3, sheets of 16, info sheet
offset with Gold Foil / Holographic Foil

Designer: Eunkyung Park 박은경

Release date: January 12, 2024


L

Liechtenstein

 Chinese Signs of the Zodiac - Dragon single stamp

Chinese Signs of the Zodiac - Dragon souvenir sheet    Chinese Signs of the Zodiac - Dragon maxi 

Chinese Signs of the Zodiac - Dragon FDC

1 stamp, souvenir sheet of 4, maxi card, FDC, cancel 
gold foil stamping 

Designer: Leng Bingchuan

Release date: November 2023


M

Macau

Macau 2024 Year of the Dragon202401xxxxxxx cancel

 

Macau 2024 Year of the Dragon202401xxxxxxx 4 stamps
Macau 2024 Year of the Dragon202401xxxxxxx 4 blocks

 

Macau 2024 Year of the Dragon202401xxxxxxx Souvenir sheet

 

Macau 2024 Year of the Dragon202401xxxxxxx souvnerir sheet
Macau 2024 Year of the Dragon202401xxxxxxx souvenir sheet two

Macau 2024 Year of the Dragon202401xxxxxxx 4 postcards

 

Souvenir Sheet with Souvenir Pack (Jointly issued by China, Hong Kong and Macao)
Macau 2024 Year of the Dragon202401xxxxxxx
Commemorative Cover (jointly issued by China and Australia)
Macau 2024 Year of the Dragon202401xxxxxxx Booklets

4 stamps, mini-panes of 4 blocks, souvenir sheet, 3 FDCs, cancel, 2 souvenir sheets, 4 postcards, booklets, souvenir packs, Souvenir Pack (jointly issued by Hong Kong and Macao), Souvenir Sheet with Souvenir Pack (Jointly issued by China, Hong Kong and Macao)
Includes a FDC joint issue with Australia and China
offset, with microprinting

The dragon is a totem in ancient times, and its prototype is a snake. In the great migration and integration of the Chinese nation In the long historical process, it has been continuously added, exaggerated and enriched by people of all ethnic groups, and it has finally become a totem that is compatible with many A strange form of worshiped dragon. Wang Fu, a scholar of the Eastern Han Dynasty, once described the image of a dragon like this: “The head is like a camel, the horns are like a deer, and the eyes are like a deer. It is like a rabbit, its ears are like an ox, its neck is like a snake, its belly is like a mirage, its scales are like a carp, its claws are like an eagle, its palms are like a tiger…” (“Qianfu Lun”) 
Macau Post press release Jan. 5, 2024

Designer: Lin Zien 林子恩
Lam Chi Yan|Macao Foundation (fmac.org.mo)
Zien designed Canada’s last Year of the Dragon stamps in 2010

Release date: January 5, 2024


Malaysia

Year of Dragon Malaysia souvenir shet 

Year of Dragon Malaysia  Cover Year of Dragon Malaysia card

5 stamps on souvenir sheet, envelope, greeting card
gold stamping

 

Designer: Malaysia Post
Release date: Feb. 2024

 


Malta

Malta's Year of the Dragon 2024 sheet

 Malta's Year of the Dragon 2024 FDC

Malta's Year of the Dragon 2024 pp

1 stamp on souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel, presentation pack
offset

In Malta, we are privileged to enjoy the scenic and tranquil beauty of the “Chinese Garden of Serenity” situated in Santa Lucija. This garden offers a peaceful space for introspection and meditation. It reflects the local environment via the inclusion of the natural elements of rocks and water, symbolising Yin and Yang – life from birth to death. Walking through the Garden of Serenity, one discovers that it consists of several smaller gardens, separated by walls, sheltered corridors and secluded rooms where visitors have the opportunity to attempt some soul-searching while roaming freely in their thoughts. It is a truly serene landscape that provides calmness and inner tranquillity. Maltapost Philately – The Chinese Garden – Santa Lucija, Malta – The Year of the Dragon (maltaphilately.com)

Designer: Fabio Agius 

Release date: February 29, 2024


Moldovia

 :   Moldova Year of Dragon cancel 2  Moldova Year of Dragon cancel

 Moldova Yar of Dragon 2024

Moldova Yar of Dragon FDC

 1 stamp on souvenir sheet, FDC, 2 cancels

The two cancels have different cancel dates. The second one accompanies the FDC. 

Designer: Vladimir Melnic
Melnic’s first stamp was the 2003 From The Red Book of the Republic of Moldova: Birds. He has designed stamps for both Moldova and Kyrgyzstan.

Release date: February 2, 2024

 


Mongolia

 2024 Year of Dragon stamps Mongolia

2024 Year of Dragon stamps Mongolia FDC

2 stamps with label, FDC, cancel

Designer: G. Battur

Release date: January 8, 2024


N

Netherlands

Year of Dragon Netherlands

1 stamp on souvenir sheets
offset

 

Designer: PostNL staff

Release date: January 1, 2024


New Zealand

New Zealand Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon stamp
New Zealand Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon stamp
New Zealand Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon stamp
New Zealand Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon stamp

Red FDC with souvenir sheet
Souvenir folder
New Zealand Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon stamp
New Zealand Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon stamp

4 stamps, 24-carat gold foil souvenir sheet, 4 FDCs, presentation pack, 4 sheets of 20, also available stickers, pinback, medallions, barcode and logo blocks, framed stamps
offset

This set has also been released as a Crypto set. Year of the Dragon Crypto – New Zealand 2024 – Bitter Grounds Magazine

Designer: YMC Design
YMC (ymcdesign.co.nz) YMC has designed the past 3 Lunar New Year stamps, starting with the Ox in 2021.

Release date: December 6, 2023

2024 Lunar New Year banner in red

P

Philippines

Philippines Stamp two year of dragon Philippines stampone Year of dragon

Philippines souvenir sheet 

Philippines sheet of dragons  

Philippines dragon cover

2 stamps, stamp on souvenir sheet, sheet of 8, FDC
offset

Release date: January 3, 2024


Poynesia

Polynesia Year of the Wooden Dragon 

Polynesia Year of the Wooden Dragon 

1 stamp, sheets of 10 (FDC and cancel coming)
mixed

Designer/artist: Evard Chaussoy 
Raiatea born artist Évrard Chaussoy supplied the impressive sculpture for the Wooden Dragon release. He combines traditional New Year elements with a distinct Polynesian style.
Evrard Chaussoy, Artist – Tahiti, French Polynesia 

Release date: February 9, 2024 


R

Romania

 Romania stamp Year of Dragon 2024 

 Romania Year of Dragon 2024 maxi card

 Romania FDC Year of Dragon 2024

 Romania sheet Year of Dragon 2024 

1 stamp, maxi card, FDC, cancel, sheetlet of 4, sheets of 20
offset

Designer: George Ursachi  

Release date: February 8, 2024


S

Serbia

Year of Dragon Serbia 2024 cancel 

 Year of Dragon Serbia 2024 single stamp

 Year of Dragon Serbia 2024 FDC

Year of Dragon Serbia 2024 sheet of stamps

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 10 
offset

Designer: Nadežda Skočajić

Release date: February 9, 2024


Singapore

Singapore 2 stamps for Year of Dragon
Year of Dragon Singapore  souvenir heet
Singapore FDC
Collector's Sheet comprises of $10 stamp and comes with a folder with angbao
Singapore presentation pack
Postcards
Sheets

2 stamps, mini pane, FDC, cancel, Collector’s Sheet comprises of $10 stamp and comes with a folder, presentation pack, 2 postcards, booklets of 10
offset with gold hot stamping

Artists: Lim An-ling (Stamps), Andy Koh (Collector’s Sheet)

Lim also designed Singapore’s yearly Lunar New Year stamps, starting with the 2020 Year of the Rat. Her designs include Singapore’s Myths and Legends Stamps (2016, 2014), Definitives (2013-2017)

An-ling is interested in the ways stories are told through artwork. She believes in experimenting, and the wonders of pen and brush.

Due to her experience working in production companies as an animator, her illustrative work often carries a sense of movement. Through the years, she has illustrated for postage stamps, books, campaigns, film posters, and artwork for home and hotel.

Info | My Site (musingcats.com)

Release date: January 5, 2024


Sint Maarten

Sit Maarten 2024 Year of the dragon 

10 stamps, sheets of 10
offset

 

Release date: February 10, 2024


T

Taiwan

Auspicious Dragon Presents the New Year

New Year's Stamps  Auspicious Dragon Presents the New Year
New Year's Stamps  Auspicious Dragon Presents the New Year
New Year's Stamps  Auspicious Dragon Presents the New Year
New Year's Stamps  Auspicious Dragon Presents 2024 Lunar New Year
New Year's Stamps  Auspicious Dragon Presents the New Year

2 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 sheets of 20
lithography

Designer: Zeng Kaizhi 曾凱智

Release date: December 12, 2023


Thailand

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn illustration of the year of the dragon
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn FDC
Sheets of stamps for Year of Dragon

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 10
offset

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn returns for another in the Lunar New Year cycle. This is the 9th stamp in the current calendar:

Artist: HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
Designer: Mr. Tanate Polchaiyawong

Release date: January 3, 2023

2024 Lunar New Year banner

U

United Nations

\UN Year of dragon sheets 

Year of Dragon Postcard 

UN Year of dragon postcard special UN Year of Dragon back of postcard

2 stamps on sheets of 10, postcard, special post card issued for the SARASOTA NAT’L STAMP EXHIBITION  January  19-21, 2024
offset

Designer: Pan Hu (Tiger Pan) 潘 虎
Pan Hu returns for his 3rd New Year Design.
联合国+潘虎|今年是龘Dá龘Dá设计师 (tigerpan.com)

Release date: January 19, 2024


United States

  USA Year of the Dragon stamp 

USA Year of the Dragon sheet of stamps  USA Year of the Dragon red envelopes USA Year of the Dragon pinback USA Year of the Dragon matte USA Year of the Dragon colour cancel USA Year of the Dragon FDC black cancel

1 stamp, sheets of 20, red envelopes, pinback, matte display, FDC, 2 cancels
offset, foil stamping, microprinting 

This set is also available as a crypto stamp Year of the Dragon CRYPTO – USA 2024 – Bitter Grounds Magazine

 Artist Camille Chew continues her annual Lunar New Year design with another in her paper mask designs. 

… Chew constructed the dragon mask out of hand-printed paper, then cut, scored, and folded it into shape. She embellished the mask with acrylic paint and other paper elements, like flowers and tassels, and covered the back of the mask in a layer of papier-mâché. The completed mask was photographed on a white background. 
USPS press release Jan. 25, 2024 

Designer: Camille Chew

  Release date:  January 25, 2024


V

Vietnam

Vietnam Year of the Dragon. TET   Vietnam Year of the Dragon. TET 

Vietnam Year of the Dragon. TET

TET Year of Dragon FDC TET Year of Dragon  FDC TET Year of Dragon souvenir stamp cover TET Year of Dragon  both stamps on cover

2 stamps, 1 stamp on souvenir sheet, 4 FDCs, cancel
offset

The souvenir stamp shows “

“the image of the dragon family flying up with the khanh clouds symbolizing peace and luck. The image of 9 dragons gathered on the pole symbolizes the winding Mekong River emptying into 9 sea gates, bringing richness to the agricultural economy of the Southwest.” VNPost news release

Read more about this set of stamps as well as the Vietnamese origin. story here Vietnam’s 2024 Tết stamps celebrating the dragon (bittergrounds.com)

Designer: Nguyễn Quang Vinh

Release date: December 24, 2023

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