 |
BOSTON, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Postal Service unveiled the Lunar New Year: Year of the Snake stamp in the historic Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston. The Postal Service printed 21 million stamps that are now on sale at Post Offices and usps.com.
Share the news on social media using the hashtags #LunarNewYearSnake and #LunarNewYearStamp.
"Our Lunar New Year stamp series is extremely popular and we are very proud of how it highlights and celebrates America's great diversity, said Luke Grossmann, chief financial officer and executive vice president, U.S. Postal Service, who dedicated the stamp. "As you use these vibrant stamps to mail your letters and packages, it is our wish that the "Year of the Snake" brings each of you good health, great joy and much prosperity."
Other participants at the ceremony were Tiffany Chu, chief of staff, Office of Boston Mayor Wu; Terri Mock, Board of Directors, BCNC; Isabel Kim, chief financial officer, the Asian American Foundation (TAAF); singer Juliet Brownell-Lee; and the Wah Lum Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy Performance Troupe.
Lunar New Year Stamp Background
The Lunar New Year holiday is a celebration of new beginnings that falls on the second new moon of the Chinese lunar calendar following the winter solstice. On Jan. 29, millions around the world will hold parades and host parties, decorate with red and gold lanterns, set off firecrackers to ward off evil spirits, and invite family and friends to share traditional foods to welcome the new year. This date also marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake, the sixth animal on the Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Snake ends Feb. 16, 2026.
The holiday - and the weeks of celebration that surround it - mark the beginning of the traditional planting season in Southeast Asia, but modern Lunar New Year festivities take place all over the world for people of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Mongolian, Malaysian and Singaporean heritage, among others. Known as Tet in Vietnam, Seollal in Korea, and the Spring Festival in China and elsewhere, Lunar New Year historically marks the arrival of spring. Representing hope and promise, the colors red and gold appear everywhere during this auspicious time of year.
Each year in the Chinese lunar calendar is associated with one of 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac, each with its own characteristic traits. Those born in the Year of the Snake are said to be quiet, wise and deep-thinking, making them proficient musicians, philosophers, writers and teachers.
The Stamp Design