Log in
Culture

Newly-released stamps celebrate World Heritage sites in Vietnam

Stamps featuring the dragon, a sacred animal in Vietnamese belief, were launched to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year of the Dragon in 2024.

The Ministry of Information and Communications and the Vietnam Post Corporation (Vietnam Post) on January 8 issued two sets of stamps with the theme "Lunar New Year of the Dragon" to mark the most important holiday in Vietnam - the Tet Holiday.

The launch of a new stamp sheet aims to promote Vietnam's heritage among international stamp enthusiasts and collectors.

 The new sheet of stamps featuring the dragon motif for the Lunar New Year 2024. Photo: Huy Ban

The set includes two individual stamps and a block of stamps depicting ascending dragons.

The first stamp with the image of an ascending dragon is said to represent the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, while the image of a descending dragon symbolizes Ha Long Bay, two UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Sites in Vietnam.

Designed in a graphic style by Vietnam Post's artist Nguyen Quang Vinh, the 80x80mm stamps will be available through the public postal network from January 2024 to June 2025.

The stamp shows a descending dragon and carp turning into dragons.

In particular, the artist has skilfully drawn the image of carp turning into dragons in the background of the stamp. The carp has many deep meanings in East Asian culture. According to folklore, the carp turning into a dragon is a mythical creature that symbolizes strength, authority, and good luck. This belief persists today, with an added connotation as a symbol of intelligence and flexibility.

Meanwhile, the stamp block depicts the reunion of the dragon family on the clouds, hoping to bring good luck to Vietnamese families on the occasion of the Tet holiday.

According to the artist, the image of nine gathering dragons represents the Mekong River, with nine meandering streams flowing into nine estuaries, bringing prosperity to the agricultural economy of Vietnam's southwest region.

The dragon mascot stamp sets are expected to bring collectors joy while showcasing the Vietnamese people's beautiful traditional customs passed down from generation to generation.

 The stamp with the image of a rising dragon.
Stamp block celebrates the Year of the Dragon.
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Related news
Postage stamps to celebrate SEA Games 31 unveiled

Postage stamps to celebrate SEA Games 31 unveiled

07 May, 04:56 PM

An eye-catching set of stamps with images depicting five-strong sports of Vietnam, the host country of the 31st SEA Games, including soccer, athletics, shooting, swimming, and gymnastics, was released on May 6.

Hanoi's kumquat hub ready for Tet holiday

Hanoi's kumquat hub ready for Tet holiday

08 Jan, 05:25 PM

Hanoi's traditional ornamental plant villages are busy harvesting ahead of the Lunar New Year, the most important festival of the year for Vietnamese.

Promoting cultural identity in Europe: "Vietnamese Tet in me" contest

Promoting cultural identity in Europe: "Vietnamese Tet in me" contest

The competition is open to all expatriate Vietnamese and offers prizes totalling up to €12,000.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel reenacts ancient royal rituals

Thang Long Imperial Citadel reenacts ancient royal rituals

The Tong Cuu Nghenh Tan (Farewell the Old and Welcome the New) ceremony marks the vibrant beginning of Tet celebrations at the iconic Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

Kitchen Gods' farewell ritual: A cherished Vietnamese tradition

Kitchen Gods' farewell ritual: A cherished Vietnamese tradition

Today, on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, Vietnamese families prepare a feast to see the Kitchen Gods off to heaven as part of the traditional Vietnamese Tet ceremony.

Hang Ma Street shines in red, preparing for the Year of the Snake

Hang Ma Street shines in red, preparing for the Year of the Snake

To welcome the Year of the Snake, shops along Hang Ma Street in Hanoi display an array of items and decorations, catering to the public's desire to adorn their homes for the Lunar New Year.

Ba Dinh promotes tourism through OCOP and traditional products

Ba Dinh promotes tourism through OCOP and traditional products

To date, Ba Dinh District boasts 26 OCOP-certified products with ratings of three stars or higher, seven of which have achieved a four-star rating.

Cultural fair hosted in Tokyo to showcase Vietnam and other nations' traditional traits

Cultural fair hosted in Tokyo to showcase Vietnam and other nations' traditional traits

The fair aims to raise fund to help the Japanese hit by natural disasters in Japan.

French ambassador falls for Hanoi and Vietnamese ao dai

French ambassador falls for Hanoi and Vietnamese ao dai

French Ambassador Olivier Brochet has got to know Vietnamese Tet holiday and the traditional costumes in admirable sharing.

The untold story of the nine-ton organ at St Joseph's Cathedral

The untold story of the nine-ton organ at St Joseph's Cathedral

The magnificent organ is the work of a Belgian organ builder and was shipped from Japan to Vietnam to the awe of many people.