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.
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.
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!
“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!”
Paprika Designs from Montreal brought both a sense of gravitas and lightheartedness in one series. Imagine putting these images side by side:
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy this year’s offerings.
Cheers
Catpaw
Åland
Greetings from the Islands of Peace
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
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
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)
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
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
1 stamp, cancel
offset
Designer: Marion Füllerer
Release date: November 17, 2023
Christmas – Festive Sledge
1 stamp, cancel
offset
Designer: Kirsten Lubach
Release date: November 17, 2023
Christmas – Holy Family
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
Special presentation
If you are lucky enough to be in the area and attend, drop me a note and let me know about it.
Artist: Dani Poon Designer: Jo Muré, Australia Post Design Studio (secular stamps and products) Dani Poon (religious stamps)
Release date: November 1, 2023
Belarus
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
3 stamps, 1 booklets of 6, 1 booklet of 12, souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel
offset
Religious
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
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.
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
15 seals on a sheet that form a larger angel, Christmas cards
offset
Designer: Jonna Ljósá
Release date: October 23, 2023
Finland
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.
“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: Anthoula Lynga
Lynga also designed Greece’s 2023 EUROMED: Kalamata Dance Festivalstamps.
Release date: November 2, 2023
Guernsey
The Christmas Story
3 stamps, 3 booklets of 10
Designer: Alexandra Ball
Release date: November 27, 2023
Jersey
What does Christmas mean to you?
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
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?
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
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
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
Issued to coincide with the annual “The Christmas of Wonders” of the Republic of San Marino.
“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
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
Release dates vary: Between December 3, 2023 to January 6, 2024
Ukrainian Christmas Carols in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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
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
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.
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
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).
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”.
“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?
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.
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:”
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
1 stamp, sheets of 8, FDC, cancel offset
Designer: Rem Saccani Ռեմ Սահակյանի
Release date: May 14, 2023
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
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
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
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
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 8 offset
Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի
Release date: July 9, 2023
Cultural Crimes Topics: culture | architecture
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
Historical Monuments Cultural Monuments of Armenia
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
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
1 stamp on souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel, souvenir folder offset
Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի
Release date: November 14, 2023
European Championship of Boxing
1 stamp on souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel, souvenir folder offse
Designer: Vahan BaptistՎահագն Մկրտչյան
Release date: November 30, 2023
December
Philatelic Exhibition – Armenian Association of Philatelics
1 card Limited to 500 copies
Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի
Release date: December 3, 2023
Christmas 2023
1 stamp on souvenir sheet offset
Designer: David DovlatyanԴավիթ Դովլաթյանի
Release date: December 5, 2023
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
2 stamps, souvenir sheet of 3, sheets of 16, info sheet offset with Gold Foil / Holographic Foil
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
5 stamps on souvenir sheet, envelope, greeting card gold stamping
Designer: Malaysia Post Release date: Feb. 2024
Malta
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
:
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
2 stamps with label, FDC, cancel
Designer: G. Battur
Release date: January 8, 2024
N
Netherlands
1 stamp on souvenir sheets offset
Designer: PostNL staff
Release date: January 1, 2024
New Zealand
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
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
P
Philippines
2 stamps, stamp on souvenir sheet, sheet of 8, FDC offset
Release date: January 3, 2024
Poynesia
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
1 stamp, maxi card, FDC, cancel, sheetlet of 4, sheets of 20 offset
Designer: George Ursachi
Release date: February 8, 2024
S
Serbia
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 10 offset
Designer: Nadežda Skočajić
Release date: February 9, 2024
Singapore
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.
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
“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