New stamps from Zodiac series…

 

In the Chinese lunar calendar, 2014 is the year of the horse, and the attribute of the “Heavenly Stems” among the Five Elements in this year is wood.Here are  new stamps from the Zodiac series issued by Singapore and Macao. The image of the horses are showing specific designs which have their own meaning described in detail  below.

There are a total of 12 animal signs in the Chinese calendar based on five cycles of 12 years each, with each cycle tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. According to Chinese astrology and belief, the traits of these zodiac animals not only shape the personalities of people born under the respective sign but also their lives and the events of the year. Apart from the Horse, the other Chinese zodiac animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

The cheerful, energetic and warm-hearted Horse, seventh in the Zodiac Cycle starts off yet another New Year on the Chinese zodiac calendar in 2014. Three graphical illustrations of this powerful Horse ushering in the new Lunar Year 2014 are shown in this set of stamps of 1st Local, 65¢ and $1.10 by Singapore Post.

Being the seventh of the 12 animal signs, those born in the year of Horse are often said to possess character traits such as quick-witted, ingenious communication skills and talented. Because of the nature of always wanting to be in a limelight, Horse individuals love entertainment and large crowds. They are popular among friends, active at work and definitely enjoy fun. They are an adventurer at heart and always have great and dynamics new approaches.

As 2014 is the year of the Wood Horse, they are friendly and cooperative. The Wood Horse will have a happy disposition and be very active in social affairs. Amusing and good conversationalist, Wood Horse individuals will not be overly egoistical and will not constantly vie for headlines. Their highly spirited character will also look forward to welcome in the new because changes and new inventions capture their imagination.

Famous personalities born in the Horse year include Chopin, Sir Isaac Newton, Cindy Crawford, Harrison Ford, Jackie Chan, Oprah Winfrey, Genghis Khan, Emperor Kangxi and Yongzheng of China’s Qing Dynasty.

 

Lunar Year of Horse stamps from Macao

 

The Macao Post adopted the “Heavenly Stems” calculation method to figure out the nature of the “Five Elements” in the seventh issue of the third series of Chinese Zodiac stamps “Lunar Year of the Horse”. This year, the horse’s nature from the “Five Elements” is “Wood Horse”, so it becomes the main character of the five stamps.

“Wood Horse” – The Wood Horse belongs to the “majesty” category. He is majestic in temperament, he makes prudent decisions, fearless and decisive in work style; he always has an acute and original insight, with rich imagination.

“Water Horse” – The Water Horse belongs to the “knight of love” category. He is affectionate and righteous, willing to sacrifice for others. Sentimental in nature, and always gets help from opposite sex. He tends to act with prudence, and his difficult problems at work can always be solved by meeting nobilities.

“Metal Horse” – The Metal Horse belongs to the “egocentricity” category. He does things on his own way. He is outspoken, kind-hearted and willing to help others. He is single minded in his career and relationship, also, he is calm and rational. Besides, he drives forward courageously and carries through to the end.

“Earth Horse” – The Earth Horse belongs to the “optimism” category. He is optimistic and generous to others, he is also cheerful and content with his lives. He is kind-hearted, with a sense of responsibility, impartial with no prejudice when dealing with matters, he often takes pleasure by helping others. Earth Horse is active by nature, dynamic and energetic.

“Fire Horse” – The Fire Horse belongs to the “king of horse” category. He is gifted the leading skill and highly competent, perseverance, fearless of any pressure and willing to face any challenge. Fire Horse is intelligent by nature, he has a passionate and enthusiastic personality.

The stamp designer uses wooden horse as the theme, which well represents that Macao is a tourism hot spot, just like a carousel that brings people joy and happiness, implying a joyful and harvest year.

New Special Cover

Platinum Jubilee of Rotary Club of Madurai - 27th December 2013

A special cover to commemorate the platinum jubilee celebrations of Rotary Club of Madurai was released by the Department of Posts on 27th December 2013.

:  Kasinath R. – Tanjore : email : kasinath80@gmail.com