Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Israel - Israel's Festival, Purim 1976


Day Of Issue: 17 February 1976

Denomination: 0.4 IL; 0.8 IL; 1.6 IL
Color: multicoloured
Watermark: none
Perforation: box 13 X 14
Phosphorus: none
Inscription: ''Purim 5736 (1976)''
Motifs: From the ''book of Esther''
Price: IL. 4.00
Sheets sold: 539000
Method Of Printing: Photolithography
Designer: O & E Schwarz

0.4 IL - ''Purim'' Excerpts from the ''book of Esther'': Chapter 1, verses 1-3
0.8 IL - ''Purim'' Excerpts from the ''book of Esther'': Chapter 2, verses 16-17
1.6 IL - ''Purim'' Excerpts from the ''book of Esther'': Chapter 6, verse 11

PURIM:
Purim - the Feast of Esther and Mordechai - falls in early spring. Celebrated on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar, its story is told in the biblical Book of Esther. The events described took place during the reign of Ahasuerus, better known as Xerxes, who ascended the Persian throne in 486 BCE, and who was a grandson of Cyrus - the same Cyrus under whose rule the Jews in exile were encouraged to return to their homeland.

The Book, or Scroll, of Esther, relates how Vashti the Queen refused to attend one of her husband's riotous parties in the Palace of Shushan. As a result, she was deposed, and Ahasuerus married Esther - whose Hebrew name was Hadassah - the lovely adopted daughter of Mordechai, one of the Jewish courtiers at Shushan. Meanwhile, a plot to destroy the Jewish communities of Persia was hatched by Haman, the king's favorite. Mordechai discovered the plot, and asked Esther to intercede with the King. Only then did Esther reveal to him her Jewish origins and pleaded for the protection of her co-religionists. Ahasuerus readily agreed. Haman was hanged from the gallows he had prepared for Mordechai, and the Jews were given permission to defend themselves. The ordained day was the 13th Adar, and so great was the sense of foreboding that, as the date drew near, "many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews tell upon them" (Esther 8:17).

Thousands of Jew-baiters died on that fateful day, and on the morrow the Jews rejoiced, "sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor" (Esther 9:22). Only in the walled city of Shushan did the slaughter continue, and Haman's ten sons were hanged upon the gallows. Accordingly, the Jews of Shushan postponed their festival to the 15th Adar, establishing the custom of "Shushan Purim," whereby Purim takes place 25 hours later in walled towns than in unwalled towns and villages.

Until today, Purim is considered a minor feast, perhaps geared more to the Diaspora than to the Land of Israel. It does not demand a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, but is marked by reading the Scroll of Esther in all synagogues. punctuated by shouts whenever "Haman" appears in the text.

Other customs which persist are the sending of gifts, and participation in a festive meal, including the traditional "Hamantaschen" - triangular pastries filled with poppyseed and honey - and pulses, recalling the years when Esther, as an observant Jewess, kept to a vegetarian diet in the King's palace. Purim is also the one holiday in the year when merrymaking supersedes study! The Purimspiel and masquerades are later additions, probably stemming from European carnivals. Although Purim was at first frowned on by Israel's higher authorities, many aspects were so popular that it soon became an integral part of the Jewish calendar, and as early as Maccabean times it was observed as the Day of Mordechai. Its universality endeared it to the man-in-the-street. The story of Haman, the symbolic Amalekite, archenemy of the Jews, and his defeat has been endlessly repeated since the first Dispersion 2,500 years ago.

The scenes depicted on the three stamps of the series are based on the Scroll of Esther: musicians serenading King Ahasuerus (inscription on the tab - "In the days of Ahasuerus" (Scroll of Esther 1:1-3); Esther being crowned queen (tab inscription - Scroll of Ether 2:16-17), and Mordecai being honored by the king and led through the streets by Haman, the tab inscription announces "Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor" (Scroll of Esther 6:11)

Bosnia and Herzegovina (Serb post) - Traditional Costumes 2001


Edition title: Pieces from the museum in Republic of Srpska
Author: Radomir Bojanić
Type of issue: commemorative
Date of issue: 17 July 2001
Technique: multicolor offset print
Printed by: FORUM - Novi Sad
Paper: chalky
Sheet: 8+1 (3x3)
Perforation: 13 3/4
Face value: 0,50 KM; 1,00 KM
Quantity: 20.000

0.50 KM - Motive: Um national costume of Popovo filed (left below)
0.50 KM - Motive: National costume of bride from Zmijanje (left above)
1.00 KM - Motive: Mountain costume of Bileca (right below)
1.00 KM - Motive: National costume of Lijevce (right above)

Tajikistan - Traditional Costumes 1998



Technical Details:
Date of issue: 20 February 1998
Designer: H. Zhaba and Yu. Gremyachinskaya
Paper: coated
Printing process: offset
Perforation: comb 12 3/4
Size of a stamp: 28,50 x 42 mm
Size of a se-tenant pair: 28,50 x 84 mm. or 57 x 42 mm
Miniature Sheet composition: 10 (5 x 2) stamps
Printing run: 30.000 stamps or 6.000 Miniature Sheets
Michel catalogue numbers: 120-123; Klb.120-121, Klb.122-123

100 Tajikistani Ruble - Woman from Khujand
100 Tajikistani Ruble - Woman from Darvoz Carrying Pot
150 Tajikistani Ruble - Man from Khujand (Blue Coat)
150 Tajikistani Ruble - Man from Darvoz (Striped Coat)

Bahrain - Bahrain Women's Costumes 1975






Issued date: 01 February 1975

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Ukraine - Traditional Costumes 2001


Face Value: 20k, 50k
Colour: Multicolour
Design: Mykola Kochubei
Printing Method: Offset
Printers: "Derzhznak" - Kyiv
Perforation: 13.0 x 12.75
Sheet: 8 (2 x 4)
Stamp Size: 30 x 33 mm
Issue: 200,000

Ukrainian National Dress - Kyivshchyna Region
On December 20th, 2001; Ukraine issued six (6) stamps depicting the native costumes worn by individuals in diffrent regions during specific folk cultural or religious celebrations.
The first area represented is Kyivshchyna. On the 20k stamp, we see young girls in their embroidered outfits collecting green tree branches for the celebration of "Zeleni Sviata" or Pentecost.
On the 50k stamp, we see a young couple dressed in winter attire going carolling in the village. The young man is carrying a star - signifying the birth of Jesus Christ. In addition, he has a violin. The young lady has a hand-bell.

Ukrainian National Dress - Chernihivshchyna Region
The second area represented is Chernihivshchyna. On the 20k stamp, we see a musical trio - "Troyiisti muzyky" entertaining a young girl. The performing group consist of string, woodwind and percussion instruments.
On the 50k stamp, we see a young couple that have just got married leaving the church with lit candles - the symbol of eternal life. In addition, there is a little boy carrying a religious icon and an embroidered towel for them. These are objects they would consider sacred and would provide them with spiritual support throughout their married life.

Ukrainian National Dress - Poltavshchyna Region
The third area represented is Poltavshchyna. On the 20k stamp, we see the congregation of people by the water's edge for the blessing of the water (Vodokhreshchia). This celebration occurs on January 19th (Julian calendar). We see a priest blessing a young family who have just gotten some water. The little boy is drinking the blessed water
On the 50k stamp, we see two young girls in their embroidered outfits throwing into the water their flower wreaths. They are participating in the ancient midsummer festival, Ivana Kupalo.

Ukraine - Traditional Costumes 2002


Face Value: 45k
Colour: Multicolour
Design: Mykola Kochubei
Printing Method: Offset
Printers: "Derzhznak" - Kyiv
Perforation: 13.25 x 13.25
Sheet: 8 (2 x 4)
Stamp Size: 30 x 33 mm
Issue: 300,000

Ukrainian National Dress - Vinychyna Region
On December 6th, 2002; Ukraine issued six (6) stamps depicting the native costumes worn by individuals in diffrent regions during specific folk cultural or religious celebrations. This is a continuation of the Series first started in 2001.
The first area represented is Vinychyna. On the first stamp on the left, we see a young family gathered for the celebration of "Pokrova" or the Transfiguration of the Blessed Virgin. This is a religious celebration dating to the establishment of Christianity in Ukraine. The Kozaks considered her to be their Protectoress. They prayed to her for protection from death prior going to battle. Also, this time is the time when many young couples get married.
On the second 45k stamp, we have the religious celebration of Ascension or "Spasa". Here we have a family going to church to have their fruit(apples, pears), grain, honey and flowers blessed. It was a custom for people to not eat any fruit prior to it first being blessed.

Ukrainian National Dress - Cherkashchyna Region
The second area represented is Cherkashchyna. On the first stamp on the left, we see young girls holding hands and dancing in a circle. They are doing Spring-dances or "Vesnyinaky-hayivky" - welcoming the comming of Spring and the re-birth of life.
On the second 45k stamp, we have a young couple collecting crops from their fields. They are going through the ritual of "Makovyi" - customs and traditions associated with the start of the harvest season.

Ukrainian National Dress - Ternopilska Region
The third area represented is Cherkashchyna. On the first stamp on the left, we see a priest blessing a family during Easter service and saying "Christ is Risen! Indeed He has Risen!
On the second 45k stamp, we have individuals standing outside a church with their Easter baskets.

Ukraine - Traditional Costumes 2003


Face Value: 45k
Colour: Multicolour
Design: Mykola Kochubei
Printing Method: Offset
Printers: "Derzhznak" - Kyiv
Perforation: 13.25 x 13.25
Sheet: 8 (2 x 4)
Stamp Size: 30 x 33 mm
Issue: 100,000

Ukrainian National Dress
On 19 Dec 2003; Ukraine issued a 6 new definitive stamps based on its continuous series - Ukrainian National Dress for various customs and traditions.

From the Kharkivshchyna Region, first stamp shows the religious holiday - Annunciation
The second stamp shows the Feast of St. Andrew

From the Sumshchyna Region, first stamp shows a marriage proposal
The second stamp shows the Making of a wedding wreath

From the Donechyna Region and the Start of Lent.
The second stamp shows a Harvest Festival.


Ukraine - Traditional Costumes 2004


Face Value: 0.60UAH
Colour: Multicolour
Design: Mykola Kochubei
Printing Method: Offset
Printers: "Derzhznak" - Kyiv
Perforation: 13.25 x 13.25
Sheet: 8 (2 x 4)
Stamp Size: 30 x 33 mm
Issue: 100,000
Date of Issue 10 December 2004

Ukrainian Folk Costumes - The Land of Lviv - The Candlemas Day
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - The Land of Lviv - Exaltation of the Cross
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - The Land of Ivano-Frankivsk - Trio of folk Musicians
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - The Land of Ivano-Frankivsk - Wedding
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - Hutsulschyna - The Holy Evening
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - Hutsulschyna - Christmas

Ukraine - Traditional Costumes 2005


Face Value: 0.70 UAH
Colour: Multicolour
Design: Mykola Kochubei
Printing Method: Offset
Printers: "Derzhznak" - Kyiv
Perforation: 13.25 x 13.25
Sheet: 8 (2 x 4)
Stamp Size: 30 x 33 mm
Issue: 100,000
Date of Issue: 20 December 2005

Ukrainain Folk costumes - The Land of Zhytomyr - Melanka and Vasyl Holiday (St. Basil's Day)
Ukrainain Folk costumes - The Land of Zhytomyr - St Zosyma's Day
Ukrainain Folk costumes - The Land of Rivne - St Yuriy's (St George) Day
Ukrainain Folk costumes - The Land of Rivne - St Peter's and St Paul's Day
Ukrainain Folk costumes - Volyn - The Annunciation
Ukrainain Folk costumes - Volyn - St Nicholas's Day

Ukraine - Traditional Costumes 2006


Face Value: 0.70 UAH
Colour: Multicolour
Design: Mykola Kochubei
Printing Method: Offset
Printers: "Derzhznak" - Kyiv
Perforation: 13.25 x 13.25
Sheet: 8 (2 x 4)
Stamp Size: 30 x 33 mm
Issue: 100,000
Date of Issue: 15 December 2006

Ukrainian Folk Costumes - The Land of Zaporizhia - St Michael's Holiday
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - The Land of Zaporizhia - Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - The Land of Kherson - St Catherine's Holiday
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - The Land of Kherson - St Elias Holiday
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - The Land of Odesa -St Barbara's and St Sava's Holiday
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - The Land of Odesa -St Borys and St Hlib Holiday

Ukraine - Traditional Costumes 2007


Face Value: 0.70 UAH
Colour: Multicolour
Design: Mykola Kochubei
Printing Method: Offset
Printers: "Derzhznak" - Kyiv
Perforation: 13.25 x 13.25
Sheet: 8 (2 x 4)
Stamp Size: 30 x 33 mm
Issue: 100,000
Date of Issue: 22 December 2007

Ukrainian Folk Costumes - The Land of Khmelnytskyi - Christmas Carol
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - The Land of Khmelnytskyi - St Simeon Holiday (beginning of real Autumn)
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - Bukovyna - St Ephrosinia Holiday
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - Bukovyna - Ascension
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - Transcarpathia - Kuzma and Demyan Holiday (day of Winter meeting)
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - Transcarpathia - Radunytsa (Easter funeral feast)

Ukraine - Traditional Costumes 2008


Face Value: 1.00 UAH
Colour: Multicolour
Design: Mykola Kochubei
Printing Method: Offset
Printers: "Derzhznak" - Kyiv
Perforation: 13.25 x 13.25
Sheet: 8 (2 x 4)
Stamp Size: 30 x 33 mm
Issue: 100,000
Date of Issue: 25 December 2008

Ukrainian Folk Costumes - The Crimea - Holiday of the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - The Crimea - Christening
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - The Land of Dnipropetrovsk - Wedding Ceremony
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - The Land of Dnipropetrovsk - Harvest Festival
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - The Land of Luhansk - Cyril and Methodius Day
Ukrainian Folk Costumes - The Land of Luhansk - Spyrydon the Wonder - Worker