Indonesia 2025 - Traditional Ceremonies in Indonesia

Technical Details:
Issue Date: 29 July 2025
Price: IDR 10,000 x 4v
Printing Quantity: 3,000 sets
Designer: Aryotejo Kusumo Swastiko
Printer: Perum PERURI


Traditional ceremonies in Indonesia are a reflection of the rich culture and spirituality passed down through generations. Each region holds unique and steadfast traditions, often involving rituals, dances, music, and offerings to honor ancestors, nature, or God. These ceremonies not only serve as celebrations but also as guardians of noble values, social norms, and communal identity, strengthening relationships between individuals and communities.

These diverse traditional ceremonies also serve as captivating cultural tourism attractions. From Sabang to Merauke, these traditions are proof of Indonesia's immense diversity. Traditional ceremonies are not merely a spectacle, but a profound experience that invites us to understand local wisdom and the philosophy of life of indigenous communities. This is an intangible heritage worth preserving and being proud of.

IDR 10,000.-  - Ngetung Batih
In Trenggalek, East Java, there is a unique traditional ceremony called Ngetung Batih. This ceremony is a tradition of counting living family members or descendants from one ancestor. Its purpose is to record and strengthen the bonds of kinship among extended family members, as well as a form of honoring ancestors. The procession involves a large family gathering, reading of genealogies, and sometimes accompanied by communal prayers and meals.

IDR 10,000.-  - Bakar Batu (Stone Burning)

From Highland Papua, there is the highly iconic Bakar Batu (Stone Burning) traditional ceremony. This ceremony is one of the most important traditions of the Papuan highland communities, used for various celebrations such as wedding feasts, welcoming important guests, or as a sign of gratitude for an abundant harvest. The main procession involves burning stones until they are glowing hot, and then these hot stones are used to cook pork and tubers in a prepared pit.

IDR 10,000.-  - Bau Nyale

In Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, the Bau Nyale traditional ceremony is a tradition of catching sea worms (nyale) that are believed to be the reincarnation of Princess Mandalika. This ceremony is usually held once a year in February or March on the southern coast of Lombok, and it is an important moment for the Sasak people to pray and hope for blessings. Thousands of people gather on the beach to search for nyale, which are believed to bring good fortune.

IDR 10,000.-  - Ngobeng

Ngobeng is a communal dining traditional ceremony originating from Palembang, South Sumatra. This tradition illustrates togetherness and harmony, where dishes are served on large trays and eaten together by several people while sitting on the floor. Ngobeng is often held during large events such as weddings, thanksgiving ceremonies, or family gatherings. reflecting the values of mutual cooperation and closeness of the Palembang community.

As a form of appreciation and cultural preservation, Indonesian Traditional Ceremony Stamps featuring the aforementioned traditional ceremonies are planned to be issued on July 29, 2025. The issuance of these stamps is expected to raise public awareness of Indonesia's cultural richness and promote cultural tourism both nationally and internationally.

Malaysia 2022 - Kebaya, Traditional Attire

on 27 October 2022 with the topic of Traditional Attire – Kebaya.

The products are:
RM 0.50 - Kebaya Sulam
RM 1.30 - Kebaya Pendek
RM 5.00 - Kebaya Labuh

Singapore 2025 - Multinational Inscription of Kebaya on the UNESCO List

Specifications:
This set contains four stamps from the Multinational Inscription of Kebaya on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Culture Heritage of Humanity.

Date of Issue: 4 April 2025
Denomination: 1st Local, 80¢ x 2, 85¢
Stamp Size: 29.85mm x 40.8mm
Perforation: 13
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Offset Lithography
Printer: Secura Singapore Pte Ltd
Sheet Content: 10 stamps per sheet
Graphic Designer: Syed Ismail, Pinch Design Pte Ltd


Description
This commemorative stamp issue celebrates the multinational inscription of the kebaya on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Worn by women across Southeast Asia, the kebaya is a garment that reflects the shared heritage of the five nominating countries. Women from diverse backgrounds and all ages wear the kebaya to honour their traditions and identity. The stamp series features four styles commonly seen in Singapore: the kebaya panjang, kebaya sulam, kebaya kotabaru, and the kebaya pendek.

Macau 2000 - Rituals - The Art of Tea

Technical Details:
Issue Name: Rituals – The Art of Tea
Issue Date: 07/07/2000
Designer: Loi Chio Teng
Paper: Couche 102 gr/m2
Size Stamp: 40mm x 30mm
Size SS: 138mm x 90mm
Perforation 12 x 12
Printing: Offset
Printer: INCM, Portugal


Tea from home is tasty, China is the homeland of tea. The Chinese have a tea-drinking history of 3000 years. Many tea producing countries in the world have imported tea trees or seeds directly or indirectly from China. The pronunciation of 'tea' in foreign languages is sound imitation of its Chinese name.

In the Tang Dynasty, Lu Yu wrote "The Book of Tea" and was honored as a sage in tea drinking. From then on, the art of tea became popular. To the Ming Dynasty, there was already a set of theories on planting, producing, making and tasting tea; and in the practicing process created "The Culture of Tea".

To make tea, tea leaves are most important. Since the Tang Dynasty, the techniques in producing tea have become exquisite, and developed species of unique flavors. In general, tea is divided into six main kinds: green, white, yellow, black, Wu Long and red. People in Macau today usually drink Pu Er, Shou Mei, Shui Xian, Long Jing and Te Guan Yin.

Making tea also needs to devote much attention to the water quality. The ancient Chinese sampling water could be in general divided into two groups. One was represented by Lu Yu, considering "mountain water to be higher, river water medium, well water lower".
MOP)

Another group was using sensation to distinguish water quality that water needed to be pure, to be light (soft water), to be sweet, to be clear. In sum, it requires good water to brew good tea, the fragrance of the tea would be doubled.

In Macau, there are many people from Fu Jian and Chao Zhou and they are in favor of Gong Fu tea. Being together with several good friends, weighted on appreciation, one will be in cheerfulness; it is also a kind of life enjoyment. The teahouses in the city are particular about having an elegant and tranquil atmosphere while the tea restaurants score a success by being lively and at will.


Author: Chan Chi Leong
Translator: Ao Vai Heng (Jocelyn) Assistant Professor of Macau Polytechnic Institute

Thailand 1991 - Children Day

 

Thailand 1971 - International Letter Writing Week

 

Thailand 1972 - Thai Traditional Costumes

 

Thailand 1971 - The Rural Life

Technical Details:

Issue Date : 15 November 1971
Issue Name : Thai Rural Life
Perforation : 13.5
Denomination : 0.50 Baht,1.00 Baht ,2.00 Baht, 3.00 Baht
Details : To make know the Way of Living of Thai People in the Rural Areas
Size : 27 x 45 mm
Printer : The Government Printing Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Japan

Thailand 1970 - Thai Musical Instruments

Technical Details:

Issue Date : 20 December 1970

Issue Name : Thai Musical Instruments
Perforation : 13.5
Denomination : 0.50 Baht,2.00 Baht ,3.00 Baht, 5.00 Baht
Details : To promote Thai Musical Instruments
Size : 27 x 45 mm
Printer : The Government Printing Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Japan

France 2014 - Stamp Festival, Salsa

Technical Details:
Date of Issue: 13 October 2014
Print Format:  25 x 36 mm
Max Format: 30 x 41 mm
Value €0.61
Perforation: 13 1/4
Quantity 1,500,000
Engraver: Line Filhon
Designed by: Valérie Besser

Salsa is both a dance and a musical genre. Its musical roots are nourished by several influences - Mambo, Guaracha or Bomba - and African rhythms, hence the name “salsa” (sauce, in Spanish) to express the idea of ​​mixing. Salsa is danced in pairs, the boy guiding the girl, their steps mirroring each other: when the man advances his right foot, his date advances her left foot. The Salsa dancer is called “salsero,” the dancer, “salsera.” Puerto Rican Salsa can be influenced by other dances such as Hip-Hop, Rock or even classical dance. In Europe, Salsa arrived in the 90s and quickly enjoyed great success.

South Vietnam 1972 - Ancient Letter Writing Art

 

Macau 1971 - Chinese Carnival Masks

 

Date of Issue: 30 September 1971

India 2008 - Festivals of India

Technical Details:
Issuing Date: 07 October 2008
Theme: Exhibitions, Fairs & Carnivals (Carnivals)
Width: 35.00 mm
Height: 46.00 mm
Denomination: 5.00 INR
Set of 3
Format Miniature Sheet of 3 of 3 Designs
Perforations: 13 x 13
Issuing authority: Ministry of Communications Department of Posts
Printer: India Security Press, Nasik

5 INR - Festivals of India - Dussehra, Kolkata
5 INR - Festivals of India - Dussehra, Mysore
5 INR - Festivals of India - Deepavali

Macao 2024 - Intangible Cultural Heritage of Macao

Technical Details:
Issue Date: 17 May 2024
Designer: Lei Tak Seng
Issue Quantity: 200,000‍
Stamps per Sheet: 16
Paper: Paper with Security Fibres
Size: 30 x 40 mm
Perforation: 14 x 14 (With elliptical perforations)
Printing: Offset Lithography
Printer: Cartor Security Printers, France


Intangible Cultural Heritage of Macao 

Macao, as a place of cultural integration, is home to a variety of folk customs and traditions. Over the past four hundred years, Chinese and Western cultures have taken root and flourished here, creating a unique cultural landscape in Macao, and forming precious “intangible cultural heritage”. These intangible cultural heritage items have been passed down through generations in Macao and are closely related to daily life, including folk customs, traditional skills, performing arts, etc. Among them, the intangible cultural heritage in the category of performing arts is diversified in form and variety, with items that embody the inheritance of Chinese traditional culture in Macao and those deeply influenced by Portuguese culture, such as Taoist Ritual Music, Patuá Theatre, Portuguese Folk Dance, Baatyam Percussion and Cantonese Opera.

MOP 2.50 - Taoist Ritual Music 

Taoist Ritual Music is used in Taoist rituals and includes various forms of music, such as solo singing, chanting, percussion, wind music, ensemble, etc. It is combined with ritual ceremonies, recitation of scriptures, chanting of mantras, and dance movements to create a solemn and sacred religious atmosphere. 

MOP 4.00 - Patuá Theatre

Patuá Theatre is a stage performance in which the Macanese community uses Macanese as the language of performance. Macanese is a Portuguese-based language that acquires the grammar and vocabulary from Malay, Canarese, Cantonese, English, Spanish, etc. The theatre often takes the form of comedy, expressing opinions on social issues and events that attract public interest. With its humorous and satirical style, not only does it bring laughter to the audience, but also provides inspiration for life. 

MOP 4.50 - Portuguese Folk Dance

Portuguese Folk Dance is a type of group dance that originated in the rural areas of Portugal, and combines traditional folk dance, folk song, and instrumental music performance. Dancers, often in pairs of men and women, dance together in groups, accompanied by instrumental performance and folk singing, creating a lively rhythm. After being introduced to Macao, Portuguese Folk Dance incorporated local cultural elements and developed into a diverse form of performing art while inheriting Portuguese traditional culture. 

MOP 6.00 - Baatyam Percussion

Baatyam Percussion is a type of folk music originated in Guangdong. It is classified into eight categories based on the materials and sound principles of the instruments: metal, stone, silk, calabash, bamboo, clay, leather, and wood. In Macao, Baatyam Percussion is mainly performed in birthday celebrations for deities, weddings, festive celebrations, funerals, rituals, etc. The performances can be divided into two types: parade performance and seated performance. 

MOP 14.00 - Cantonese Opera (Souvenir Sheet)

Cantonese Opera is a traditional regional opera performed in Cantonese. The performance styles mainly involve singing, acting, recitation, and martial arts. It incorporates elements of literature, opera, music, and martial arts to present the story through makeup, costumes, stage props, gong and drum music, etc. It is a comprehensive performing art that combines various elements. 

Each form of performing art belonging to intangible cultural heritage in Macao has its unique beauty. They not only showcase the harmonious integration of Chinese and Western cultures in Macao, but also reflect and highlight Macao's cultural positioning as a place where Chinese culture is the mainstream and multiple cultures coexist. 

Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government Translation: NextVector Consultants Ltd.

Macau 2021 - Wushu - Chinese Martial Arts & Health

Technical Details:
Date of Issue: 13 September 2021
Designer: Lok Hei
Issue Quantity﹕250000‍
Stamps per sheet: 16
Paper: Paper with Security Fibres
Size of Stamp: 40 x 30 mm
Size of SS: 138 x 90 mm (Stamp size: 40 x 40 mm)
Perforation Stamp: 13 x 13¼ (With elliptical perforations)
Perforation Stamp on SS: 12 x 11¾ (With elliptical perforations)
Printing: Offset Lithography with Microprinting
Printer: Joh. Enschedé Security Print, The Netherlands

Wushu – Chinese Martial Arts and Health
Martial arts emerged from life, and eventually evolved in the process of picking wild fruits, hunting, and resisting fierce beasts, and had the purpose of “strengthening the body in times of peace and defending the country in times of chaos” during the cold weapon era. We are fortunate to be in a peaceful time with scientific and technological advancement, and “Wushu – Chinese Martial Arts and Health” is one of the good options for individuals to attain physical and mental health.

Southern traditional martial arts cover a wide range of fields, including Chinese boxing, equipment, Qigong, dragon dance, lion dance, and bone-setting.


MOP 2.50 - Constant Training
As the proverb says, “flowing water does not rot, nor a door-hinge rust”, meaning that flowing water does not stink, and a moving hinge does not rot, which is a metaphor for only with daily workout can vitality endure and flourish. The same applies to “Wushu – Chinese Martial Arts and Health”. Constant training in martial arts is a healthy practice and helps improve the flexibility of muscles and joints, facilitate the circulation of Qi and blood to refresh the day.


MOP 4.00 - Qigong - Yi Jin Jing
“Yi Jin Jing” is an exercise that focuses on traditional Chinese medicine and the theory of Yin and Yang and the five elements. It stimulates the meridians and internal organs through the 12 posture moving exercises, so that the meridians are unimpeded and the Qi and blood are harmonized to achieve the aim of strengthening the body; it is characterized by stretching the tendons and pulling the bones, combining rigidity and flexibility, integrating motion and rest, and channeling the Qi, which is a set of effective traditional exercises for health, fitness, disease prevention and intellectual growth.


MOP 4.50 - Lion Dance
Southern lion dance was originally named “auspicious lion” for its auspicious meaning; people were stripped of their means of subsistence during the late Qing Dynasty by the invasion of foreign forces and the spread of war. In this period of time, lion dance was widespread in the school of martial arts, so the mixture of lion dance and martial arts skills was further developed. The sound “auspicious” and “sleep” pronounced the same in Cantonese, so it was renamed by chivalrous Chinese and patriots “awake lion”, which was an overt reminder that the country should be self-improved and encouraged the nation to develop and reinforce.

The lion dance can promote physical fitness, exercise the will, develop positive character, and reinforce the teamwork spirit.


MOP 6.00 - Choi Lei Fat Martial Arts
Choi Lei Fat Martial Arts was inscribed on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008 and one of the items on the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Macao in 2020.

Choi Lei Fat Martial Arts was founded in 1836 by Chan Heung, a native of King Mui, Xinhui District, Guangdong province. At an early age, Chan Heung learned Fat Martial Art from his uncle, Chan Yuen Hu, and took Lei Iao San as his teacher when he grew up. Later, he learnt another martial art from the Shaolin monk Choi Fu. He studied Chinese boxing styles and combined the techniques of the three teachers to create a new style of Chinese boxing, which was called “Choi Lei Fat Martial Arts”, to honor the teachings of his teachers.


MOP 14.00 - Martial Virtue (Souvenir Sheet)
In order to attain the higher level of “Wushu – Chinese Martial Arts and Health”, martial arts practitioners must continuously enhance overall consistency and enforce the criterion of “martial virtue ” on practitioners, so that excellent cultural accomplishments of Chinese martial arts can be fully inherited and promoted, and the norm of “advocating martial arts and virtue, strengthening one’s body with martial arts, nurturing one’s character with virtue, and pursuing both professional excellence and moral integrity” can be achieved.


Author: Un Oi Mou President of the Association of Martial Arts and Physical Education of Macao Workers Translation: NextVector Consultants Ltd.