The US Postal Service (USPS) has launched special stamps to mark the Chinese Lunar New Year: Year of the Dragon.
Eduardo H. Ruiz Jr, USPS vice president of retail and delivery operations for the Postal Service’s WESTPAC Area, said the Postal Service for more than three decades has issued stamps highlighting the Lunar New Year. “This subject has been some of the most successful stamp releases in the long history of the Postal Service.
“The Postal Service has one of the most diverse workplaces in the United States, and its customer base is as diverse as the country itself. This stamp is a great example that reflects our nation’s rich, multicultural heritage and traditions.”
The stamp has been designed by Camille Chew. She constructed the dragon mask out of hand-printed paper, cut, scored, and folded it into shape. Chew embellished the mask with acrylic paint and other paper elements, like flowers and tassels. She covered the back of the mask in a layer of papier-mache. The mask was then photographed on a white background. The dragon mask, with gold and red colors, incorporates elements with symbolic meaning. Gold signifies prosperity and red is a lucky color – the most auspicious among all the animals in the Chinese zodiac.
Connie So, professor of the University of Washington and president of the OCA Greater Seattle-Asian Pacific American Advocates, said the Lunar New Year for many Asian Americans is a chance to leave behind the troubles of the past year and invite prosperity and good luck moving forward. “This Year of the Dragon stamp ceremony recognizes the importance of the diversity and cultural significance Asian Americans bring to the United States and provides Seattle an opportunity to promote the significance of the Lunar New Year.”
Millions of people around the world will celebrate the Lunar New Year holiday on February 10, 2024. It begins on the night of the second new moon following the winter solstice. The Lunar New Year marks the coming of spring and a time of renewal.
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