Lunar New Year: Year of the Dragon Stamps

Description

2024 Year Of The Dragon – Lunar New Year Series

• The fifth stamp in the Lunar New Year series begun in 2020
• Celebrates the Year of the Dragon
• Showcases the same style mask design as previous stamps in the series
• Foil stamping brings out the intricate details of the design

Stamp Category: Commemorative
Series: Lunar New Year (begun in 2020)
Value: 68¢ First Class Mail Rate (Forever)
First Day of Issue: January 25, 2024
First Day City: Seattle, Washington
Printing Method: Offset, Foil Stamping, Flexographic, Microprint
Format: Panes of 20
Tagging: Phosphor, Block Tag

History the stamp represents: In the Chinese zodiac, the dragon is the fifth animal in the 12-year Lunar New Year cycle. In 2024, the Year of the Dragon began on February 10. In China, people born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be lucky. This often leads to a noticeable increase in births during these years.

Why are children born in the Year of the Dragon said to be luckier than other years? Perhaps it’s because, in ancient times, emperors were said to be descended from dragons. The original dragons were seen as godlike entities with the ability to control wind and rain. They helped ensure bountiful harvests and protected villages from drought or floods. Likewise, it became the emperor’s job to protect his people and ensure the prosperity of his nation.

The benevolent nature of the dragon extends to the famous story of the Chinese zodiac animals. Since it could fly, the dragon should have finished first in the Jade Emperor’s big race, making it the first animal of the 12-year cycle. However, along the way, the dragon saw villages suffering from droughts and flooding. Because he stopped to help, he fell behind the other animals. He even let the rabbit finish ahead of him, saving it from a wolf that had been chasing it. Based on these stories, it’s no wonder Chinese parents hope for children born in the Year of the Dragon.