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Lunar New Year - Year of the Rat

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Lunar New Year - Year of the Rat

Lunar New Year - Year of the Rat (view technical specs)

The Rat is the first of the twelve zodiac animals related to the Chinese calendar. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived at the finish line, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox, becoming first.

The Rat is also associated with the Earthly Branch and the midnight hours. In the terms of yin and yang, the Rat is yang and represents the beginning of a new day.

In Chinese culture, rats were seen as a sign of wealth and surplus. Because of their reproduction rate, married couples also prayed to them for children. Rats are clever, quick thinkers; successful, but content with living a quiet and peaceful life.

Technical Specs

Design:Stephen Perera
Illustration / Photography:© Bajena and Siewhoongat istockphoto.com
Printer:Cartor Security Printers
Process:Offset Lithography
Colours:4 colours
Stamp size:31.75 x 31.75mm
Issue date:2020-01-30
Stamp Values:£3, £3.40