US 5057a Lunar New Year Monkey imperf NDC horz pair MNH 2016

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

5057a

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Stamp Format

Pair

Item Description

Grade: VF (Very Fine)
Detailed DescriptionIt is a stock image only. If you want to see the picture of the actual stamp, please check with me before you bid or place the order.In 2016 the U.S. Postal Service® will ring in the Year of the Monkey by issuing the ninth of 12 stamps in the Celebrating Lunar New Year series. The Year of the Monkey begins on February 8, 2016, and ends on January 27, 2017. The monkey is one of the 12 zodiac animal signs associated with the Chinese lunar calendar. According to an old legend, the animals raced across a river to determine their order in the cycle. The rat crossed by riding on the back of the ox, jumping ahead at the last minute to win the race. Next came the ox, then the tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, and ram, followed by the monkey in ninth place. People born in the year of a particular animal sign are said to share characteristics with that animal. Individuals born during the Year of the Monkey are said to be clever, wise, and honest. With their keen intellect and sociability, they can easily adapt to new situations.As the most important holiday of the year for many Asian communities around the world, the Lunar New Year is celebrated primarily by people of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan, and Mongolian heritage. Images associated with some of these widespread customs are depicted in the Celebrating Lunar New Year series. In the United States and elsewhere, the occasion is marked in various ways across many cultures; parades featuring enormous and vibrantly painted papier-mâché dragons, parties, and other special events are common. Vendors at outdoor markets sell flowers, toys, food, and other items for celebration. Musicians play drums, often decorated with peonies like those depicted in the stamp art, to celebrate this time of renewed hope for the future, with drumsticks sometimes painted red for luck. Many families present red envelopes (hongbao) containing money to children and loved ones. People eat foods that bring good luck, such as kumquats and rice cakes, and hang festive lanterns as decoration. The U.S. Postal Service introduced its Celebrating Lunar New Year series in 2008 with the Year of the Rat. The series will continue through 2019 with stamps for the Year of the Rooster, Dog, and Boar. Abbreviations

Seller Information

Seller

msfong (28928)

Registered Since

04/25/2013

Feedback

99.9%

Store

Fongan

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

Yes

Returns Policy

Money Back - Returns Accepted within 30 Days (Buyer pays Shipping Cost)