Yuanxiao was Sunday February 12th and Hongkong Post, China Post and Macao Post have each issued a set of special stamps in celebration. This set of “Charming Chinese Lanterns” stamps marks the sixth time that a joint issue has happened with these three postal administrations using a common theme.
The three stamps issued by Hongkong Post are the Lotus Fairy Lantern (HK$1.40), the Narcissus Lantern (HK$1.80) and the Peacock Lantern (HK$2.40), complemented by a stamp sheetlet (HK$5) depicting young boys holding a dragon lantern high in a festive dance.
Chinese lanterns are beautiful both by day and by night. Symbols, colors, and of course light is something to behold when hundreds of lanterns line a street or festival. In fact lantern fairs are held in many places during the Chinese Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao) on the fifteenth of the first lunar month. Festival goers weave in and out to admire the lanterns for their beauty and try to solve lantern riddles in a fashion reminiscent of traditional celebrations spanning many generations.
As with lanterns at night, these stamps will give you enjoyment…that is if you use your UV light!
