gato Posted September 22, 2006 at 08:11 AM Report Posted September 22, 2006 at 08:11 AM I got one in the mail today, or should I say on the mail. It's the one with "reading is always rewarding". Very cute. http://www.hongkongpost.com/eng/publications/news/2006/20060522a/index.htm 22 May 2006 Chinese idioms and stories represented in new Hongkong Post stamps The Postmaster General, Mrs. Joanna CHOI, announced today that a set of special stamps with the theme of "Chinese Idioms and Their Stories" will be issued on Thursday, 15 June 2006. Often originated from fables, literature and historical facts or personages, these stories are therefore full of references and wisdom. Idioms are still widely used among Chinese both in verbal and written form, reflecting their vitality and charm which never fade over time. The stamps present a simple theme throughout, featuring charming folk in simple situations but with beautiful attention to detail on each stamp. Each stamp has a full story to support it. The $1.40 stamp is entitled" Respect makes successful marriage" and shows a shy bridal couple with their loving cups raised towards each other in a sign of mutual respect. As the story recounts, during the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC), Jiu Ji of the State of Jin was travelling on a mission when he saw a woman bringing lunch to the field for her husband. He was very much impressed by this courteous couple who respected each other like guests. The $2.40 stamp, "Reading is always rewarding", brings us Emperor Taizong of the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279 AD) surrounded by texts and reading by lamplight. He is reputed to have insisted upon reading every day despite heavy administrative duties. The associated idiom originates from Tao Qian, a great poet in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317 - 420 AD). Tao was a fervent reader who happily skipped his meal whenever he was carried away by the joy of reading. "Prepare for success", the $3 stamp, reveals a man showing his dedication to success by honing his skills with a sword as the sun rises. The story behind this stamp tells us that in the middle of the night, Zu Ti, who later became a formidable general of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317 - 420 AD), was awakened by a cock's crow. He then woke up his close friend Liu Kun, who shared with him the aspiration to protect the country, and both of them rose for sword practice. The moral of this story is to seize the day and get prepared. Finally, the $5 stamp "All in the same boat", depicts two men, hands clenched together in support of each other to suggest concerted effort in times of trouble. Wu and Yue were firm enemies during the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC). A storm broke when people of the two states were travelling in the same boat. In distress, they suspended hostility and helped each other to sail through. The moral of this story is to help and support each other in hard times. Quote
adrianlondon Posted September 22, 2006 at 02:00 PM Report Posted September 22, 2006 at 02:00 PM Is it possible to buy them, or somthing similar, here in China? They do look cute. Quote
skylee Posted September 22, 2006 at 02:11 PM Report Posted September 22, 2006 at 02:11 PM Yes you can buy them on-line. The delivery charge is HKD 13. Take a look -> http://www.shopthrupost.hk/index.php?page=prd_detail&type=series&id=1496 Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and select your username and password later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.