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A set of special stamps with the theme, "Chinese Idioms and their Stories" will be issued on June 15.
The Postmaster General, Mrs Joanna Choi, said these stories often originated from fables, literature and historical lives. Idioms are still widely used by Chinese people both in verbal and written form, reflecting a vitality and charm that has not faded over time.
The stamps feature figures from these tales with careful attention to detail on each stamp. Each stamp has a story to support it.
The $1.40 stamp is entitled "Respect makes successful marriage" and shows a shy bridal couple with their loving cups raised towards each other in a sign of mutual respect. As the story recounts, during the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC), Jiu Ji of the State of Jin was travelling on a mission when he saw a woman bringing lunch to the field for her husband. He was very much impressed by this courteous couple who respected each other like guests.
The $2.40 stamp, "Reading is always rewarding", brings us Emperor Taizong of the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279 AD) surrounded by texts and reading by lamplight. He is reputed to have insisted upon reading every day despite heavy administrative duties. The associated idiom originates from Tao Qian, a great poet in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317 - 420 AD). Tao was a fervent reader who happily skipped his meal whenever he was carried away by the joy of reading.
"Prepare for success", the $3 stamp, reveals a man showing his dedication to success by honing his skills with a sword as the sun rises. The story behind this stamp tells us that in the middle of the night, Zu Ti, who later became a formidable general of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317 - 420 AD), was awakened by a cock's crow. He then woke up his close friend Liu Kun, who shared with him the desire to protect the country, and both of them rose for sword practice. The moral of this story is to seize the day and get prepared.
Finally, the $5 stamp "All in the same boat", depicts two men, hands clenched together in support of each other to suggest concerted effort in times of trouble. Wu and Yue were firm enemies during the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC). A storm broke out when people of the two states were travelling in the same boat. In distress, they suspended hostility and helped each other to sail through. The moral of this story is to help and support each other in hard times.
Commenting on this special stamp issue, Mrs Choi said the design was representative of several famous Chinese idioms which are widely used in the Chinese language and have been passed down through the ages. "These vivid and colourful stamps help to keep these important values alive and relevant in the 21st century," she said.
The accompanying Souvenir Sheet with a full set of four stamps costs $11.80. It comes with a deep pink background with green vines growing and features a quaint image of a sage telling a story to some children.
A special postmark will be introduced for this stamp issue, and a Serviced First Day Cover affixed with one set of four stamps and datestamped with the special postmark costs $15.30. The Serviced First Day Cover affixed with a souvenir sheet and datestamped with the special postmark also costs $15.30, and the Presentation Pack with a full set of four stamps costs $20. All follow the same simple, colourful and appealing theme.
This set of special stamps is designed by Mr Michael Fung and printed in lithography by Cartor Security Printing, France.
The stamps will be displayed at the General Post Office and at Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin Central post offices from May 25. Official First Day Covers will be on sale for $1 at all post offices on the same day. Advance orders for servicing self-provided covers will be accepted at all philatelic offices from May 25 to June 1.
A hand-back datestamping service will be provided at all post offices on June 15 for official and privately-made covers bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address.
The special postmark will be available, together with the "GPO-1" postmark, the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark and the philatelic office pictorial postmarks, for hand-back datestamping service at all philatelic offices on that day.
Also on June 15, the public hall of the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau will open from 9am to 5pm for datestamping covers with the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark, the "GPO-1" postmark and the special postmark.
Further information about this issue and the sale of associated philatelic products can be obtained from Hongkong Post's website at www.hongkongpost.com, at any post office, or by calling the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau hotline 2785 5711.
Ends/Monday, May 22, 2006
Issued at HKT 10:00
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