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| 5630 Dunbar St. at 41st Ave. 604-684-4613 |
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Canada Post unveils the 2012 Year of the Dragon stamps |
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Thinking of dragons may conjure up fire-breathing, serpent-like beasts of fantastic legends, but in many Asian cultures, these magical, mythical creatures are benevolent, associated with wisdom and longevity. They are revered for their influence over the primal forces of nature. For example, the Chinese water dragon has potent and auspicious powers over rainfall, hurricanes and floods. The presence of the dragon in Chinese culture dates back thousands of years. Dinosaur bones unearthed in ancient China are documented as "dragon bones," and dragon statues and jade badges of rank have been discovered as far back as the 5th millennium BC. Excellent and outstanding people are compared to the dragon, and leaping, swooping dragons are a common sight at Chinese festivals. |
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| This year, Canada Post honours the Year of the Dragon, a time of innovation, risk and achievement, the fifth sign of the Chinese zodiac. The dragon on the permanent domestic rate stamp in this series is fully embossed and gold foil is used prominently in the dragon's scales. Swirls, a graphic element from ancient designs are placed at the bottom of the domestic rate stamp to represent the water element. The Chinese character at the top right spells "dragon." | ||
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| The stamp was designed by Louis Fishauf, who also designed the Year of the Monkey stamp from the first Lunar New Year series. | ||
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| A fiery red dragon bursts from the water on the dramatic souvenir sheet bearing an international rate stamp and imagery taken from the domestic stamp. The embossing on the dragon's head is carved by hand, with touches of foil to give it vibrancy. The background's red colour symbolizes good fortune and joy and is used prominently during Chinese New Year celebrations. | ||
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| One brand new product for this year is a special 'transitional' souvenir sheet showing last year's rabbit exiting to the left and this year's dragon entering from the right.
Gung Hay Fat Choi |
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Newsletter #220 |
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