vintage and contemporary postcards and stamps from around the world


22 February 2015

Sunday Stamps II - 10

souvenir sheet, 2015, international rate stamp (showing the three rams from the domestic rate stamp)
Year of the Ram,
also known as Year of the Goat and Year of the Sheep

The ambiguity has whipped up discussion in the English world. Actually, when used without attributes, the Chinese character Yang can refer to all of the forgoing ruminants. However, in terms of traditional culture, the zodiac symbol is more likely a Goat. The images of goats often appear on Chinese New Year stamps and paper-cuts. To ordinary Chinese, it seems the confusion never bothers them. They may take the goat as the zodiac animal, but prefer to buy a sheep mascot, because it's more lovely and fluffy.

Sheep (or goat, or ram) is among the animals that people like most. It is gentle and calm. Since ancient times, people have learned to use its  fleece to make writing brushes and its skin to keep warm. The white cute creature often reminds people of beautiful things.
(source: travelchinaguide)

7 comments:

Bob Scotney said...

I.ve shown one of the Canadian stamps too.

FinnBadger said...

That sheetlet is beautiful. I like the way it is designed as it well still look great even with the stamp detached.

Joy said...

This year's stamps are especially beautiful.

Sheila @ A Postcard a Day said...

I like goats every bit as much as sheep, possibly even more so. They come across as more intelligent, though of course that may be good PR.

Jocelyn said...

These Canadian stamps are really amazing. I really like goats. But baby sheep are pretty amazing too. I have seen them within just a few hours of birth try to climb things like straw bales and that is one of the things I like about goats. I like climbing things too and so does my dog ^_~ What is next weeks theme?

FinnBadger said...

Hi, Jocelyn, the next several weeks' themes are in the sidebar on the left, near the top of the page. Next week's theme is 'Faces'.

♥ Willa @ Postage Journal♥ said...

Thos are very colorful lunar year stamps and the one from Canada is interesting.

Willa @ Postage Journal
Sunday Stamp#93: Lunar Year