Year of the Ox 2021

Description

We are delighted to release the eighth set of stamps in our series to mark the Chinese New Year, which is China’s oldest festival and the most important celebration in the Chinese calendar.

Our latest stamps celebrate 2021 being the Year of the Ox, according to the Chinese Zodiac. In China, the ox is a highly respected animal due to its significant role in agriculture. 

The stamps have been designed by artist Chrissy Lau, who has worked on our entire Chinese New Year series. Crissy’s designs are inspired by patterns found on Feng Shui ornaments; in China, it is common practice to display Feng Shui animal ornaments depicting coins and gold to attract good fortune. Decorations associated with Chinese New Year, including oranges, lanterns and Chinese red packets, also feature on the stamp designs, whilst the Chinese symbol for ox appears on the top left of each stamp.

Ox Tails: the stamps 

On Amongst the Clouds, the cloud pattern represents good luck and fortune, as well as being a symbol of peace.

The Fortune Beckons stamp features an ox holding a lucky Chinese red packet in its mouth, which are given to children during Chinese New Year celebrations.

The Fierce Fire ox wears his cloak of fortune, which he protects with his bucking stance. The cloak features Chinese gold coins to reflect wealth and fortune.   

On the Fortune Charm stamp, the ox carries a popular Chinese New Year decoration of Chinese coins around its body, which are displayed to attract wealth and good fortune.  

The Golden Dreams ox is seen nurturing her young calf. Their bodies are adorned with kumquats, tangerines and oranges, which are auspicious symbols during Chinese New Year celebrations.

On Treasure Celebrations, an ox wears a Chinese New Year charm necklace, gold ingots and coins, in celebration of the festival. He holds a lantern on his tail with the Chinese word ‘fu’, meaning fortune. 

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