In 1992, Canada issued a series of Christmas stamps featuring "personages" from various regions, specifically Estonia, Italy and Germany. The denominations are for Canada, US, and International rates. My, how rates have changed!
Estonia's "Jouluvana" is dressed in a brown sheepskin coat and matching hat, hand-knitted mittens and a walking staff. Imported from German legend, he carries a bag of presents for good children and uses his stick for the naughtly.
Based on an illustration by Anita Kunz
"La Befana" of Italy, is a benevolent witch-like woman who rides a broomstick on the eve of Epiphany, January 5, carrying presents for the deserving and charcoal for the erring. After leaving small gifts and consuming snacks left for her, she sweeps the floors with her broom. Italy also enjoys a second gift-giver, Babbo Natale, a Santa figure similar to ours who brings larger or more expensive gifts on Christmas Eve.
Based on an illustration by Jamie Bennett
Germany's "Weihnachtsmann" is a thin, stooped, heavily laden, white-bearded old man who makes his rounds on Christmas Eve with his sack of presents and a Christmas tree. He is a secularized version of St Nicholas who is still associated with December 6.
Based on an illustration by Simon Ng
All stamp descriptions from Postage Stamp Guide
Merry Christmas Eve
2 comments:
I remember waiting for la befana and hoping to get was I wished for and didnt get on Xmas. That day was also the end of the xmas break from school.....
I hope The Three Wise Men will bring me presents on 5th January (night) or 6th January!
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