Merry Christmas
Dehradun December 2023 Vol. XVI
Issue No. 192
Readers are requested to send reports of philatelic activities in their
area for publication. Short write-ups by the readers about, societies,
publications and philatelic requirements can be sent for inclusion in this
bulletin to the editor: j.jyoti9@gmail.com
Note- This bulletin is
only for circulation among a limited group of philatelists without any
commercial purpose. The bulletin will be sent to the readers only on request.
Those who wish to receive it regularly please reply giving the name of your
city / country with the subject SUBSCRIBE RAINBOW
Chinese Zodiac – Dragon
2024 – The year of Dragon
Editorial….
Dear Reader,
I am pleased to present December 2023 issue of Rainbow Stamp News. It completes 16 years of successful publication without any break. In these years
some prominent philatelists wrote regular articles for Rainbow unfortunately
they are not with us but their contribution will always be an asset for Rainbow
as all the issues of Rainbow are available online and their articles can be
read by the Readers anytime. I express my gratitude to all my readers and
contributors. The year comes to an end this month, my best wishes to all for a
very Happy New Year.
In the last few months, our columnist Mr Naresh Agrawal started a series
for all the philatelists regarding the philatelic collections accumulated with
the collectors over the years, recently I was in Kanpur and sorting out the
collection of noted philatelist who is no more but his family wants to dispose
of the collection as soon as possible Just because they cannot handle it any
more. Talked to some dealers but did not get a good response. It is not an easy
task to make a valuation of the philatelic items and sell them at an
appropriate price……So it is good to make wise decisions timely in disposing of
the philatelic assets !
This is all for this month. More in the next issue. Happy Collecting !
Contents
- Editorial
- From the Desk of Naresh Agrawal
- Recent Indian Issues
- In The News
- Stories behind stamps
- Specialized Section
- Beginners’ Section
- New Issues from Other Countries
- Press Clippings
- Philatelic Clubs and Society
- Blogs and Websites on Philately
- Current Philatelic magazines and
Newsletters
“CLICK
N BOOK” :
SPEED POST, REGISTRY AND PARCEL
YET ANOTHER INNOVATION OF DOP
Today is the era of fast life asking for faster
communication and even faster delivery of products. Customer service is also
one major requirement of the day when not only comfortable but faster and
efficient service is in demand. Customers don’t want to go to banks, post
offices, or other business or trade places but wish to get service at their door
steps or even at their fingertips.
Courier services have not only grown but
have developed fast during the last two decades catering to customers with luring,
safer yet faster services. This has caused immense competition not only
amongst them but with the DOP also. Hence, DOP is forced to come up with its
new innovative and developed services.
During the last decade, DOP has not only
enhanced, and improved its existing services but also introduced new and innovative
postal services associated with postal product delivery, logistics, savings,
insurance, banking etc.. It has diversified its services and product range.
This innovation also forced DOP to collaborate with different specialized
organizations to enhance and better its service and product range for example
its collaboration with TCS, Blue Dart etc. helped it in its mission.
Few years before it started its
digitalization it partnered with TCS to digitally re-imagine its services as
Tata Consultancy Services’ Multi-year Digital Core Program
has Transformed it into a New-age Digital Hub Offering Smart Mail and
Innovative Value-added Services.
Looking into the fact
that over the last thirty years, there has been strong economic growth in India
and in the last decade, India has also witnessed rapid advancement and adoption
of mobile technology at low data usage cost. But still, there remain large
sections of the population as well as micro and small businesses that have
limited access to essential financial services and expertise.
Universal access to
finance is one of the critical requirements for society’s inclusive
development. To this end, IPPB and RBIH planned, designed, and executed
innovative products and offerings to bridge the existing gap by bringing
digitalized services to the customer’s doorstep. And so, in 2022, India
Post Payments Bank (IPPB) and Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) have come
together to focus their efforts on enhancing the reach of financial solutions
to large sections of society across India and enabling frictionless finance to
a billion Indians.
Of late, only a few days back DOP has declared the introduction of yet another new and innovative online service named “Click N
Book” to enhance the services being catered through existing Speed Post,
Registry, and Parcels services. This will facilitate easy and speedy
booking, handing over and of course
better delivery time. Using this service, customers can book speed post, registered
letters, and parcels sitting right at home, Though the system is yet in the testing and trial phase but certainly, it will prove to be highly appreciative,
efficient, and satisfying..
Initially, it has been
introduced in two post offices of Prayagraj and is supposed to be introduced in
all other post offices of Prayagraj very soon once the testing proves to be
okay. And then throughout the country. This service will require customers to register
on the postal department’s website to avail this service. A booking up to Rs.
500/- will entitle one for pick up facility from his doorstep. The basic aim
of the department is to make this service more efficient and customer-friendly and technologically advanced.
Well, this is a welcome step by India Post and we wish great success for this system and also look. forward for yet other new innovations in its existing services.
Naresh Agrawal, email : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in
Recent Indian Issues
2 November 2023 : 75th Anniversary of
Diplomatic Relations between India and Mauritius – Rs 25 MS
7
November 2023 : Platinum Jubilee (1948-2023) Raman Research Institute- Rs 5
23 November 2023 : 525th Birth Anniversary of Meera Bai – Rs 5
30
November 2023 : 75 Glorious Years of National Defence Academy
5 December 2023 : 125 Years of Hindu College – Rs 5
New Special Covers / Cancellations / PPC
Cancellation on National Pollution Control Board, Karnataka Postal Circle, Bangalore
RAYAPEX 2023, Rayagada
Picture Postcards issued during RAYAPEX
2023
2 December 2023 : Military Literature Festival 2023 ; Chandimandir, Cantt.
28 November 2023 : Jila Pota Ghat Akhnoor
: Jammu
Avantikapex 2023 :Deep
Stambh Shaktipeeth Harsiddhimata Mandir, Ujjain
26 November 2023 : Avantikapex
2023 : Shree Maa Bagula Mukhi Shaktipith Chairitable Trust : Khachrod
28 November 2023 : AVANTIKAPEX 2023 :
Sevagram Ashram ,Ujjain
28 November 2023 : AVANTIKAPEX 2023 : Batik
print of Bheravgarh
\
15 November 2023 : ICC Men’s Cricket
World Cup 2023
25 November 2023 : SDM College of
Medical Sciences & Hospital Dharwad
4 November 2023 : Sun Temple, Katarmal : Almora
In the News
Thailand 2023
THAILAND 2023 Specialised
World Stamp Championship - Thailand 2023 was held in Bangkok, Thailand from
November 27, 2023 to December 2, 2023.
1. Rajesh Paharia 2. Praggya Jain 3. Mrs Damyanti Pittie 4.Kishore Chandak 5. Madhukar Deogawanka 6. Sushil Mehra 7. Madhukar Jhingan 8. Piyush Khaitan 9.Raunak Dutta 10.Ilyas Patel 11. Narendra Saboo 12. Savita Jhingan 13.Rajesh Jhunjhunwala 14. M. Lokeswara Rao 15. Kapil Gogri
Mr M. Lokeswara Rao Received Vermeil award for his
Book Himalayan Birds on Stamps in Chicagopex 2023 , Nov. 17-19 at the Westin
Chicago Northwest, , Itasca, IL 60143; Chicago USA
EFIRO 2024, Bucharest
Commissioner for EFIRO 2024 FIP Specialised
World Exhibition
EFIRO
2024
INTERNATIONAL
STAMP EXHIBITION, EFIRO 2024 with a capacity of 2000 display frames, is
organized by the Romanian Philatelic Federation under the Patronage of FIP from
Apr 16 to 19, 2024 at the National Library of Romania, Bucharest, Romania.
Classes available for participation are: Traditional, Postal History, Postal
Stationery, Aerophilately, Astrophilately, Thematic, Maximaphily, Revenues,
Open Philately, Picture Postcards, One Frame, and Philatelic Literature. Plus,
a new Experimental, Class 12 -II, for 2 or 3 Frames exhibits.
Detailed rules of
exhibition (IREX) and Exhibit Application Forms are available for download
at https://www.efiro.ro/rules.php
The Philatelic Congress of
India has appointed : 1. Mrs Savita Jhingan , as the National Commissioner and
2. Mr. Kapil Gogri as Apprentice Commissioner for the EFIRO 2024 FIP
Specialised World Exhibition. Their contact details are given below:
1. Mrs Savita Jhingan
- National Commissioner
16 Park Drive, First Floor,
Malibu Towne, Sector 47
Gurugram 122018, India
Telephone +91-9811160884
Email: sj@stampsofindia.com
2. Mr. Kapil Gogri –
Apprentice Commissioner
15 Ashish, Andheri Coop Society, VP Road,
Behind Fidai Baug,
Andheri West,
Mumbai 400058, India.
Mob : +919821111140
Email : kapilg25@hotmail.com
CHINA
2024 FIAP International stamp Exhibition will be held from Nov 29 to Dec 3,
2024 in Shanghai, China. This exhibition will have a new class: First Day
Covers.
News from Philatelic Clubs
societies and Philatelists
Military
Literature Festival
A
Special Cover with a Special Cancellation was released from Chandimandir Post
Office on 2nd Dec to commemorate Military Literature Festival at
Chandigarh. Col SFH Rizvi Chief
Postmaster General, Harayana Circle along with Maj Gen A.K.Shouri ( Retd.)
former Addl DG, APS and Maj Dr. Ritu Kalra were on the dias to release the
cover. The special cover and cancellation were designed and proposed by
Postcrossing Welfare Society of India® through the Harayana Postal Circle.
Among the members of Postcrossing Welfare Society who were present for the
occasion were Col Akhil Kumar (President), Maj. Dr. Ritu Kalra, Shri. Vinod
Seth and Rahul Ganguli(Secretary) with other philatelists from Haryana and
Punjab. This special cover later on unveiled at Inaugural Function of the
Military Literature Festival by Gen TS Shergill , Chairman MLF, and Gen Katiyal
GOC-in-C Western Command along with other Generals on the stage for the inaugural
function.
Veerpex-2023, a non-competitive philatelic exhibition, a brainchild of Brig (Retd) JS Arora , Secretary Military Literature Festival, was organized during the Festival held at Chandigarh on 2nd and 3rd December, 2023. The event was organised at Sports Complex at the Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh. The exhibition was organized with the logistic support of India Post through the Shri Vijay Kumar SSPO, Ambala Division and Shri Harjinder Singh Bhatti, SSPO Chandigarh. Students from different schools were visitors to appreciate exhibits on Indian Armed Forces created by renowned philatelists namely Maj. Dr. Ritu Kalra, Shri. Vinod Seth, Shri. P. Ramakrishna, Col Harbaksh Singh, Shri. Arunendu Archajee, Shri. Jayadeva Yarasi, Shri. Ajit Kumar Raut, Maj Mukesh Kapila, Smt. Neelam Chandel, Col MV Sundaram, Shri. Deepak Bansal, Smt. Satnam Kaur, Smt. Tripti Agarwal, Smt. Smriti Rana and Mr Rahul Ganguli.
- Rahul Ganguli, Prayagraj
Stories Behind Stamps
- Nisarg Sutaria
Penny
Black - Great Britain & Ireland
Issued by Great Britain and Ireland the Penny Black is the world's first stickable Stamp. It was issued on May 6, 1840. Only all London Post Offices and except them no one received the stock. Unofficially from 2 May City of Bath started offering the same.
The total print run was 286,700 sheets. There were 68,808,000 Penny Black Stamps were printed. There are still 1,300,000 Penny Black Stamps in existence at present. Value of the present Penny Black Stamps varies from GBP 40 to GBP 1,000s.
Penny
Black was printed from 11 plates. Due to excessive wear Plate 1 was completely
overhauled. There were two different plates 1a and 1b. Small number of Panny
Blacks were printed which was supposed to print Penny Reds from Plate 11. They
were imperforate sheets which needed scissors to cut them and use. Due to this
very less value is derived from badly cut margins, or no margins. That is why
four clear margins cut from Penny Black Stamps Sheet are quite valuable and
worth the money.
English Alphabets on the Plate mentioned above at the bottom right and left.
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penny_Black
-Nisarg Sutaria email : nisargsutaria78@gmail.com Mobile
and WhatsApp Phone Number: +91-9924248850.
Specialized Section
Due to the non-availability of good and authentic
articles, I am sharing articles from other sources for the Readers. – Editor
War
Savings Stamps Issued to Fund WWI
US #WS1 – First 25¢ War Savings Thrift Stamp
On
December 1, 1917, the first War Savings Stamp available for immediate use, WS1,
was issued.
When
America entered World War I in April 1917, there was an immediate push to
support the war effort. Weapons were needed, as well as clothing, food, and
supplies for the men fighting overseas. In the coming months, the US government
instituted a number of programs to encourage the public to donate what they
could, including war bonds and liberty bonds.
US #WS2 shows the cost of the stamp depending on when it was purchased as well as the date it would be payable.
Among these efforts to
raise funds were War Savings Stamps. The first War Savings Thrift Stamp (WS1) was issued on December 1, 1917. The second stamp (WS2) was issued a few
weeks prior but wasn’t meant for use until 1918.
Issued by the Treasury
Department, War Savings Stamps were sold in many convenient places. Not only
were these stamps sold at banks and post offices, but they were available at
the train station or they could be purchased from the milkman on his delivery
route. In 1918, these stamps were available in 45,000 different places in Texas
alone.
US #WS4 – Issued in 1919, this stamp matured in
1924.
Citizens were encouraged to think of inventive ways to use the thrift stamps. Businesses gave them as bonuses and Christmas presents. They were handed out as tips in restaurants and hotels. At a café in Dallas, Texas, the menu offered “pie and thrift stamp” for 30¢.
The stamps issued during
World War I were available in 25¢ and $5 denominations. The $5 War Savings
stamp cost $4.12 when issued and earned 4% interest. When they matured five
years later, they could be redeemed for $5.
US #WS5 was issued in 1919 for use in 1920.
Children
were encouraged to purchase the 25¢ stamps and were provided with a special
card to paste 16 stamps on to. Completed cards could be exchanged for a $5 War
Savings stamp by paying the difference between their $4 value and the current
price of the $5 stamp.
The
Treasury Department used clever ads to encourage people to buy the stamps. One
claimed, “An idle Quarter is a slacker Quarter.” Many posters also used
patriotism to spur purchases. President Woodrow Wilson supported the drive,
calling upon “every man, woman, and child” to save for the war. He also
proclaimed June 28, 1918, to be National War Savings Day.
The Boy
Scouts of America alone sold $53 million in War Savings stamps during World War
I – that’s over two million stamps. Boy and Girl Scouts sold so many stamps
that there was a slogan – “Every Scout to Save a Soldier.”
The
program was successful in raising money for the war effort. By September of
1919, over $1.1 billion worth of stamps had been sold. The low 25¢ cost allowed
almost anyone to “Help Lick the Kaiser.”
The
first round of War Savings stamps were issued through 1920. The program was
begun again in 1942 after America joined World War II. Denominations of 10¢,
50¢, and $1 were added. The War Savings stamps of World War II earned no
interest and were redeemable in the form of US Treasury War Certificates, Defence
Bonds, or War Bonds.
US #WS7-13 – Complete Set of 7 WWII War Savings Stamps
The promotion of War Savings stamps during World War II was closely linked to the promotion
of Series E War Bonds, which they were usually used to purchase. Advertisers
donated $250 million worth of advertising in the form of trolley car posters,
songs, and movies starring Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope.
The
design of the World War II stamps featured the famous Minuteman statue in
Concord, Massachusetts. It was made to commemorate the Battle of Lexington and
Concord – the first conflict of the American Revolution. The statue shows a
farmer standing next to his plow, holding a musket. It represents the
willingness of the common man to serve the cause of freedom – just like those
who fought at Concord and Lexington.
Source : https://info.mysticstamp.com/war-savings-stamps-issued-to-fund-wwi_tdih/
First
and Only U.S. Registration Stamp
 |
US #F1 – First and only US Registration stamp
On December 1, 1911, the US Post Office
Department issued its first and only Registration stamp. It was used for
the prepayment of registry fees, but was often misused and only remained in use
for less than two years.
The US first implemented a registered letter
system on July 1, 1855. For the next 56 years, mailers could pay the
registration fee, which ranged from five to twenty cents over these years, with
cash or stamps.
Though there wasn’t a Registered Mail stamp
issued during this time, there were Post Office Seals, also known as Official
Seals. They had no franking power, meaning they didn’t pay for the
delivery of mail, but they did serve an important purpose. The first
official seals had one specific role: to seal large “registered packages”
containing registered letters that were being transported, thereby preventing
tampering with this very secure class of mail.
US #OXF1 – 1872 Registry Seal
'Then on December 1, 1911, the Post Office issued US #F1, America’s first and only registration stamp for the prepayment of registry fees. This new stamp could only be used to pay the registry fee and was not valid for regular postage. When used in addition to regular postage, this stamp provided special care and handling for an extra fee for a letter or package. Upon receiving the item, the addressee was required to sign a receipt.
US #FA1 – Certified Mail stamp issued in 1955
There was some confusion among users and postal
clerks around these stamps, which led to their misuse. As a result, the
postmaster general abolished the Registration stamp in 1913, but allowed the
remaining stock to be used up. After that, the registration fee could be
paid by using regular postage stamps.
A similar stamp was issued in 1955. The
15¢ Certified Mail stamp, #FA1. Certified Mail is a form of registration
– it gives mail special protection and provides the sender with proof of
delivery. A single stamp was issued June 6, 1955, to inaugurate the
Certified Mail Service. This was used in addition to the regular postage
and required the recipient to sign for his letter or package upon delivery.
Source: https://info.mysticstamp.com/first-and-only-u-s-registration-stamp_tdih/
Beginners’ Section
First
U.S. Christmas Stamp
On November 1, 1962, the US
Post Office issued its first-ever Christmas stamp, starting a popular tradition
that continues to this day.
There’s some debate as to which country issued the first-ever Christmas stamp. Canada often gets the honor for its 1898 issue that pictured a map and had the inscription “XMAS 1898.” In the coming years, other countries issued stamps with similar holiday inscriptions, and eventually with religious or holiday-themed designs.
US #1240 was
the second Christmas stamp, picturing the National Christmas Tree and the White House.
By the early 1960s, the US Post Office was receiving 1,000 letters a year (for several years) asking for a Christmas-themed stamp to frank their holiday mail. The Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee supported the idea and recommended a Christmas stamp, which was officially announced in May 1962. In his announcement, Postmaster General J. Edward Day stated that there were two subjects he knew were popular with the public – the US flag and Christmas. He went on to say, “This coming Christmas season, there will be a special stamp especially appropriate for use on Christmas cards.”
US
#1254-57 – America’s first
se-tenant (two or more stamps with different designs or values printed together
on the same sheet).
America’s first Christmas stamp was then issued on November 1, 1962, at a special ceremony in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At the dedication ceremony, Postmaster General Day said this stamp would be the first in a new series of Christmas stamps. The Post Office expected there would be a great demand for the issue, so they printed 350 million stamps – the largest print run for a special stamp up to that time. Those 350 million stamps sold out quickly, leading the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to produce more stamps – reaching one billion by the end of the year.
US #1276 – America’s fourth Christmas stamp
While the Christmas stamp was very popular, it wasn’t without its detractors. Some didn’t agree with the idea of the post office issuing a stamp honoring a religious holiday. Others wanted Christmas stamps that were more religious. The Post Office would continue to issue Christmas stamps in the coming years that featured the National Christmas Tree, seasonal plants, and an angel in 1965. The angel was considered less controversial because angels are included in many religions, not just Christianity.
1966 5¢ Traditional Christmas: Madonna and Child
US #1321 – first Traditional Christmas
stamp
Then in 1966, the Post Office had a new idea.
They could produce Christmas stamps utilizing classic paintings of the Madonna
and Child. These stamps wouldn’t violate the separation of church and state
because they were a celebration of culture. So on November 1, 1966, they issued
the first US Madonna and Child stamp in Christmas, Michigan. The stamp featured
the 15th century painting, Madonna and Child with Angels, by
Flemish painter Hans Memling.
1967 5¢ Traditional Christmas: Madonna and Child
US #1336 features a larger version of the painting above
That stamp was very popular and over 1.1
billion were printed. The design was so popular, it was used again on the
Christmas stamp of 1967. However, the 1967 stamp was larger and showed more of
the painting. The stamp’s continued popularity led the Post Office to issue
another traditional Christmas stamp in 1968, this time picturing the Angel
Gabriel. For the 1969 issue, they reverted back to the non-religious theme,
with a stamp picturing a painting called Winter Sunday in Norway, Maine.
1962-2022 Contemporary
Christmas stamps
US #1205/5725 – Traditional Christmas stamps issued through 2022
Then in
1970, the Post Office made a big change. To keep people in both camps happy,
they issued one traditional Christmas stamp, picturing a classic painting of
the Nativity, plus a block of four picturing Christmas toys. That decision
proved popular and they have continued to issue stamps with both traditional
and contemporary Christmas themes ever since.
Source : Mystic
Stamps
New issues from other countries
Aland
20 October 2023: Christmas
The theme for the two 2023 Christmas stamps is “Greetings from the
Islands of Peace”. The peace dove is a familiar peace symbol.
The designation Julpost means that the stamp can be used as a more
favourable postage on Christmas cards to addressees in Åland and Finland for a
limited period in November and December every year. The Julpost-stamps can be
used for franking at other times of the year as well.
Australia
1 November 2023 : Christmas
65c Mary and Baby Jesus
Based on the traditional
Christmas story, Mary is presented watching over the Christ Child held lovingly
and protectively in her arms.
$3.00 The Three Wise Men
According to the
traditional Christmas story the Maji journeyed to witness the arrival of the
Baby Jesus by following the Star to offer gifts of celebration.
65c Christmas Tree, with
Gifts
The Christmas Tree, first
introduced in Europe, was widely adopted as symbolic of the Christmas season
and celebrations around the world. A common tradition is to place gifts beneath
the tree on Christmas Eve.
65c Santa Mail
Children send greetings and
wishes addressed to Santa as Christmas Eve draws closer. The sending of letters
and cards offering “Season’s Greetings” is a long-held tradition.
$3.00 Christmas Decoration
Christmas decorations vary
around the world and are used to adorn homes, gardens, and Christmas trees.
Baubles, lights, paper chains, and even greenery, have long been used.
Bosnia and
Herzegovina- Mostar
1 December 2023 : Christmas and New Year
Christmas and New Year
In the Gospel of Matthew, an event is described when, following the Star
of Bethlehem, three wise men or kings from the East came to worship Jesus.
They are most commonly depicted and represented as men of various life
stages (young, mature, and elderly) and different races or skin colours. It is
not known where they came from or what their names were, but since the 8th
century, the names Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar have become commonly
associated with them. They are representatives of pagan nations whom God called
into His kingdom by revealing to them the birth of the Saviour. Their names
carry strong symbolism: Melchior in Hebrew means “king of light”, Balthazar in
Assyrian means “God protects his life”, and Gaspar in Persian means “Guardian
of treasures”. The gifts they brought to the child Jesus also have their
symbolism: myrtle was given as a gift to him as a man, incense as a gift to him
as God, and gold as a gift to him as a King.
The Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings' Day is celebrated on January
6th, the sixth day of the new year, with joyful celebrations, best wishes, and
gifts to commemorate their arrival. Every act of giving is an expression of
gratitude, respect, or love. Today, it is the same as it was in the time when
the Three Kings presented gifts to the infant Jesus, whose arrival heralded a
new dawn of human existence.
Christmas Island
1 November 2023: Christmas
65c
Santa with a Red Crab and Brown Booby
It’s all aboard Santa’s Christmas boat for the delivery of gifts to the island. A Red Crab and Brown Booby, complete with festive adornment, are on hand to help.
$3.00 Brown Booby, Robber Crab, and Green Turtle
A festive-looking Brown Booby, Robber Crab, and Green Turtle get set to
join those onboard the boat to get the Christmas gifts safely ashore.
Finland
8 November 2023 : Christmas Cheer
Christmas Wreath
This year’s Christmas stamps depict happy animals illustrated by Minna
Lehväslaiho. The domestic no-value indicator stamp shows energetic squirrels in
a Christmas wreath.
Minna has drawn a lot of animal characters, so there were plenty of
animals to choose from for the Christmas stamps. “We have six cats at home and
I also sketched them for the stamps, but in the end we went with squirrels and
a Christmas wreath for the domestic no-value indicator stamps. The Christmas
stamps include a 2D code that makes it easier to sort postal items
mechanically.
Christmas Cheer
This year’s Christmas stamps depict happy animals illustrated by Minna
Lehväslaiho. On the domestic no-value indicator stamp for Christmas greetings,
cheerful owls are perched in a winter apple tree.
Since childhood, Minna has been interested in animals, especially owls.
“My grandmother had a stuffed owl, and I drew friends for it as a child. I
still draw owls, and they have already made it to quite a few places. I’m happy
that they can also show themselves on winter stamps.”
There is also a story behind the apple tree on the Christmas stamp. “In
front of our cottage’s porch, we have a winter apple tree with apples that are
firmly attached to the branches. I look forward to the first snowfall in the
fall and the beautiful accumulation of snow on the apples. Red apples are also
associated with Christmas, so I decided to include winter apples on the stamp,”
Minna says.
“This year, we wanted Christmas stamps that will cheer people up and
make them smile. The colorful illustration style of Minna Lehväslaiho, who
specializes in postcard illustrations, creates exactly the kind of atmosphere
we were looking for,” says Tommi Kantola, Design Manager at Posti, who is
responsible for selecting the artists and providing guidance on the artistic
work for the stamps.
The Christmas stamps include a 2D code that makes it easier to sort
postal items mechanically.
Iraq
22
Novemnber 2023 : Endorsement of Iraqi Constitution
29 November 2023 : The Iraqi National Day
New Zealand
6 December 2023 : 2024 – Year of
Dragon
2024 – Year of the Dragon
Chinese
New Year is always a joyous event ‒ a riotous blend of colour, sound, and
spectacle. In the home, you might be sharing food with your extended family, a
red envelope clutched in your hand while jasmine tea scents the air.
You
might be twining together lanterns, their traditional red-and-gold adornments
bringing prosperity to the time ahead. Or you might be attending a street
parade, experiencing the Chinese food, music, performance and culture of your
local area. Public celebrations of Chinese New Year are popular in many of
Aotearoa New Zealand’s major cities, with people of different ages and
ethnicities participating in Chinese culture.
The Year of the Dragon is a particularly
fortuitous one. Those who are born under this zodiac sign are said to be
charismatic, powerful, and naturally lucky. It’s said that their disposition
naturally draws them towards leadership, and thus enjoy success, wealth, and
prosperity. These are often seen as ideal traits in Chinese culture, with many
people favouring the year of the dragon for making important life decisions. In
fact, there is often a baby boom amongst Chinese populations during Dragon
years, with families hoping that their ‘dragon babies’ will enjoy their innate
luck.
$2.00
Longevity Noodles
This
stamp depicts a dragon spilling forth from a fern-laden bowl of noodles, mixing
Kiwi and Chinese iconography. Noodles are often eaten during Chinese New Year,
their length representing the wish for a long and prosperous life.
$3.30
Garden of Prosperity
In this
stamp, a dragon aids a toddler in harvesting a Chinese cabbage, emblematic of
market gardeners’ contribution to New Zealand horticulture.
$4.00
Land of Good Fortune
In 1865,
the gold rush in Otago attracted miners from Canton, China. This stamp displays
cherubs holding mining tools, their work guarded by the watchful eye of a
dragon.
$6.90
Festive Fireworks
Thomas
Wong Doo, born in Canton around 1903, founded a shop that sold fireworks on
Hobson Street, Auckland in 1940. This stamp depicts a puppet-like dragon, with
starbursts of fireworks exploding in the distance.
Spain
29
November 2023 : 60 Years of IOP
60 Years IOP/CIS
On the 60th
anniversary of the creation of the Institute of Public Opinion (IOP)-Center for
Sociological Research (CIS), a commemorative stamp is issued valuing the
studies and surveys carried out by the organization, which constitute a
reflection of the history of Spain seen to through public opinion.
In the first moments
of its history, the IOP played a very relevant role in adopting certain
decisions that helped achieve full democracy in Spain.
In line with this
primitive purpose, the CIS has continued this work with its studies to better
understand Spanish society, offering diagnoses on social situations and issues
that help public powers in decision-making.
The CIS sociological
database is one of the most important in the world and the dissemination of the
scientific activity it carries out allows it to have a collection of more than
890 published books, in addition to a prestigious International Journal of
Sociology (REIS), which is publishes in Spanish and English.
The IOP was created on
January 11, 1963 as an organization attached to the Ministry of Information and
Tourism. His first study was the one carried out on the EXPOTUR fair in 1963,
in which the collaboration of visitors to the fair was requested, with a survey
in which it was explained that their opinion was essential for the
organization.
On this 60th
anniversary, tribute is paid to the people who have collaborated with the
IOP/CIS throughout its history: researchers, professors, surveyors, analysts,
technicians, management teams and all the organization's staff who have
contributed to its success.
The seal reproduces
the logo designed for this anniversary, which has the number 60 as its
protagonist.
United Nations
30
November 2023 : UN Climate Change Conference ( COP 28)
UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28)
On 30 November 2023, UNPA issues a special event
sheet for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28), held in the
United Arab Emirates from 30 November to 12 December 2023. There are two
denominations on the sheet of 10 stamps that feature the United Nations logo.
There are five US$ 1.45 stamps on the left half of the sheet and five CHF 1,10
stamps on the right half of the sheet. The tabs of the stamps feature the
United Nations Climate Action Superheroes
Empowering children to be heroic leaders for
change and believe in the impact they can have on the planet is crucial. The
United Nations Climate Action Superheroes aim is to educate and engage children
on how to help limit global warming and take care of our environment. To learn
more, please visit www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/
climate-action-superheroes-info/#greenguide.
The tabs on the left side of the sheet represent
the following Climate Action Superheroes :
Truth Talker – Has the facts about climate change and tells others about it.
Veggie Vindicator – Educates everyone on why to eat – and appreciate – more veggies.
Recycle Ranger – Knows proper recycling techniques and shows others what items belong in
which bin.
Green Guide –
Keeps plants healthy and doesn’t let them go to waste.
The tabs on the right side of the sheet
represent the following Climate Action Superheroes:
Fashion Fixer – Mends, donates and keeps clothing.
Water Wizard – Keeps dangerous plastics from
getting into the ocean and makes sure you don’t let water go to waste.
Energy Expert – Never wastes electricity, and always turns off the lights when they’re
not needed.
Fume Fighter –
Defender of clean air and protecting the atmosphere from bad fumes.
Press Clippings
Philatelic Clubs and Societies
Prayag Philatelic Society
- https://prayagphilatelicsociety.org/
Ananthapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram
Baroda Philatelic Society - http://www.vadophil.org/
Chandigarh Philatelic Club
Deccan Philatelic Society – Pune, Maharashtra
Eastern India Philatelists’ Association -http://www.filacapsule.blogspot.com/
The Hyderabad
Philatelic and Hobbies Society
India Study Circle -
http://www.indiastudycircle.org/
Indian Thematic Society, Ludhiana -http://indianthematicstamps.webs.com/
Ludhiana Philatelic Club
Numismatic
& Philatelic Association of Vellore Fort
http://numismaticphilavellore.site40.net/index.htm
Philatelic Congress of India - http://www.philateliccongressofindia.com/
Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Philatelic Society of India , Mumbai : http://www.psi1897.com/
Orissa Philatelic Association, Mail id-: orissaphilatelic@gmail.com
Rainbow Stamp Club -http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/
Rajkot Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat
Gujarat Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad
South India Philatelists Association - http://www.sipa.net.in/
The Army Philatelic Society, Pune
Stamps of India – http://www.stampsofindia.com
Blogs & Websites
RAINBOW
STAMP CLUB
This is a blog of e-Stamp Club www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com The idea of
this blog is to extend the philatelic fraternity to all corners of the world.
Readers may write about themselves with their collecting interests and share
new ideas with other philatelists. New
Posts on recent issues, news on stamp activities, and Contributions by members
are published every day on this blog. Readers may also express their views on
any philatelic matter which will be published under Club News at Rainbow Stamp
Cub Blog. Philatelic Clubs and Societies may also send brief write ups. Readers
may send reports on new issues, special covers, cancellations & philatelic
activities in their area for inclusion in this Blog. - Editor
Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters
-VADOPHIL, Editor - Prashant Pandya &TimirShah and
published by Baroda Philatelic Society, Vadodara. Website -http://www.vadophil.org/
-Ananthpuri Stamp Bulletin - Monthly e -stamp bulletin of Anathapuri
Philatelic Association, Thiruvananthapuram
-Journal of the Army Philatelic Society
-India Post – Quarterly Journal of the India Study Circle publishes original
articles submitted by members of ISC.
-Deccan Philatelist edited by Dr Anjali Dutta email : dranjalidutta0303@gmail.com from Deccan Philatelic
Society, Pune.
-The Hyderabad Philatelist from Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society Editor
– Shri Prakash Agrawal
-SIPA Bulletin issued by South India Philatelists’ Association
Acknowledgment
- Ananthapuri Stamp
Bulletin November 2023 issue edited by Mohanachandran Nair: email : apa.tvpm@gmail.com
- Judaica Thematic
Society, UK . Society Newsletter December
2023 edited by Gary Goodman email : judaicathematicsociety@talktalk.net
- Deccan Philatelist Vol. 23 No.2 2023– Edited By Dr Anjali Dutta
Courtesy - News and Image Resource to this issue : SIPA, Philately Promoters, EIPA , Indian Philately, Prayag Philatelic Society Group, Philatelic Exhibitions, Deccan Philatelic society Whatsapp groups ; Pan India Postal Pictorial Place Cancellations, Dev Bhoomi Philately and History Group ; Suresh R- Bangalore, Mohammed Dhia, Baghdad- Iraq
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Jeevan Jyoti, 509, Design Arcade, Chandrabani, Wildlife
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