Taiwan 1992 - Living in the Countryside

 

Technical Details:

Issue Date: 22 September 1992
Dimension of stamps(mm.) 30x49
Printer: China Engraving & Printing Works, R.O.C.
Designer: Li Chi-mao
Sheet Composition: 10×5
Process: Deep etch offset
Paper: Locally-made mat finished, watermarked stamp paper with gum
Perforation: 11 1/2

Many of the beliefs of our people are a combination of religion and ancient myths. The adoration of spirit and soul and to remember the endeavors of our ancestors through the activities of the temple fair have positive influences on daily life. Through the devoutness of religious duties, our people are able to readjust body and spirit. This set of stamps depicts the pure and simple characteristics of our religious culture through the prosperity of a temple fair of the countryside. It consists of five 5.00 stamps which are arranged in a se-tenant strip.

Taiwan 2021 - Hakka Festival

 
Technical Details:

Issue Date: 24 November 2021
Dimension of stamps: 50 mm × 30 mm
Printer: China Color Printing Co., Ltd.
Designer: KN Creative Design Co., Ltd.
Sheet Composition 20（4 × 5）
Print Color:  Colorful
Process: Offset
Paper: Phosphorescent stamp paper
Perforation: 13 × 12½


To introduce the customs of Taiwan’s Hakka people, Chunghwa Post has specially released a set of four stamps on Hakka festivals. The stamps are described below:

1. Miaoli Dragon Bombing Festival (NT$8): This refers to the lighting of firecrackers during dragon dances. The more firecrackers, the better the effect, as the smoke makes it appear as if the dragon spirits are weaving through the clouds. A Lantern Festival custom that is unique to Miaoli, dragon bombing has been performed since early days of Hakka settlements in the county. It comprises seven steps: making the dragon, inviting the dragon, dotting the eyes of the dragon, welcoming the dragon, lighting firecrackers around the dragon, following the dragon, and sending off the dragon for his return to heaven.

2. Liudui Defending the City Walls Festival (NT$8): The custom dates to the early years of the pioneering Hakka settlements in Pingtung’s Liudui, when local patrols would light firecrackers to alert the community about enemy incursions. With changing times, it became an activity used to pray to the Hakka Land God for good fortune in spring.

3. Taichung Dongshi Xin Ding Ban Festival (NT$12): In early Hakka agricultural society, villagers would offer rice cakes to the Land God and Goddess to pray for a baby. When their wishes were met, they would then offer thanks with even more rice cakes. These rice cake offerings are known as xin ding ban, or new child cakes. For baby boys, the cakes are molded into turtle shapes; for baby girls, peach shapes.

4. Guoxing Chenggong Festival (NT$12): The festival includes activities that capture the resolute reputation of the Hakka ethnic group, exemplified by the phrase: “Work fervently, ploughing field and slope.” The festival symbolizes the energy and solidarity of the people in Nantou’s Guoxing Township. Each team is composed of seven to eleven members. One is the flag capturer, and the rest push a “battleship” that carries the flag capturer and a statue of Zheng Chenggong. The first team that grabs the flag wins the blessings of Koxinga and thus claims a symbol of “success.”

Saudi Arabia 2024 - Saudi Ardah Dances

 

The Saudi Post Corporation (SPL), in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, has issued a commemorative postage stamp featuring the Saudi Ardah dance. This newly released Ardah postage stamp serves as a representation of the nation’s vibrant cultural heritage, thereby reinforcing its national legacy.

The Saudi Ardah is a collective dance performed by men, symbolizing unity between the leadership and the people. It evokes enthusiasm and reflects an emotional bond, demonstrating love for the land and loyalty to the nation's leaders. Characterized by joyful and energetic movements, the dance is accompanied by harmonious rhythmic unity. Elevated with prestige and solemnity, it incorporates the national flag and swords, creating a magnificent visual spectacle.

The SPL regularly issues postage stamps to commemorate significant national events, including religious, cultural, artistic, and sports occasions, as well as notable international events. Each stamp serves as a tribute to pivotal moments or immortalizes prominent scenes from Saudi Arabia's history. Consequently, it appeals not only to stamp collectors worldwide but also to historians interested in documenting history.