First Australian circular stamp released for Lunar New Year

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Australia Post continues its tradition of celebrating Lunar New Year by releasing Year of the Pig stamps.

The Year of the Pig signifies the end of the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. To mark this completion, Australia Post has issued a special 12-year cycle sheetlet pack with Australia’s first ever circular stamp.

The $1 circular stamp is the feature in the centre of the pack, surrounded by all 12 Lunar New stamps released over the past 12 years.

Lunar New Year Year (also known as Chinese New Year) will be officially celebrated on 18 February and is the most important of traditional Chinese festivals.

The pig is the twelfth sign in the Chinese zodiac and symbolises wealth and prosperity. Those born in the Year of the Pig are usually chivalrous, loyal, honest, kind and gallant. Whatever they do, they do with all their hearts.

Celebrity ‘Pigs’ include Elvis Presley, Hillary Clinton, the Dalai Lama, John McEnroe, Rachel Weisz, Steven Spielberg, Woody Allen, Madonna and Elton John.

Luis Chiang is the designer of all 12 stamp issues, released annually for Christmas Island, and Australian Territory, located 2,600km north-west of Perth, Western Australia.

“I feel honoured to have been involved with every stamp that has been released for the issue over the last 12 years. I’m especially proud of the fact that the completion of the 12-year cycle has been commemorated with Australia’s first circular stamp.”

“This provides is a trulyunique way to mark the Lunar New Year celebrations in the Australian Chinese communities and those around the world – send New Year greetings using these stamps.”

The Lunar New Year product range includes a 1 x 50c stamp and 1 x $1.45 stamp, 12-year sheetlet, first day cover, first day cover minisheet, stamp pack (which doubles as a greeting card), illustrated gutter strip, postcard, stamp and coin cover with the Perth Mint, international and domestic pre-paid envelopes and a prestige booklet.

Products are available at participating Australia Post outlets while stocks last. Alternatively, orders can be placed by mail order on 1800 331 794 and overseas customers can purchase online at www.auspost.com.au/stamps.