Marking the Chinese New Year, the United States Postal Service now offers a commemorative stamp. The Forever stamp, highlighting the Lunar Year of the Snake, is currently priced at 45 cents.
Featuring big red firecrackers, a paper-cut serpent, and the Chinese calligraphic character for “snake,” the new First Class stamp was includes the work of three artists: Lau Bun, Clarence Lee, and Kam Mak. Ethel Kessler directed the design process of the new stamp, the sixth edition in the USPS’ 12-year series.
"We are proud to celebrate this special time with our friends in the Asian community," explained Nagisa Manabe, USPS chief marketing and sales officer, on January 16. "With this year's limited edition stamp, we're providing our customers the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of these stamps and use them in their new year's greetings to friends and family."
Postal customers may purchase the 2013 Chinese New Year stamps in self-adhesive press sheets or note card format.
The USPS released the 2013 Lunar New Year Stamp on January 16, about three and a half weeks before the actual holiday. The Chinese New Year, the highlight of the annual Chinese celebratory calendar, begins on February 10, 2013, and runs until January 30, 2014.
In the Madison-area and nationwide, postal patrons may obtain the new stamps at USPS offices and online.
What animals will be honored in upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations?
Here’s the animal lineup for the next few years, according to the Chinese Zodiac.
- 2013 – Year of the Snake
- 2014 – Year of the Horse
- 2015 – Year of the Goat
- 2016 – Year of the Monkey
- 2017 – Year of the Rooster
- 2018 – Year of the Dog
- 2019 – Year of the Pig
- 2020 – Year of the Rat
- 2021 – Year of the Ox
- 2022 – Year of the Tiger
- 2023 – Year of the Rabbit
- 2024 – Year of the Dragon
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