Special Stamp Issue - "Chinese Idioms and Their Stories"

Mint Stamps

A set of special stamps will be issued on 15 June 2006 (Thursday) on "Chinese Idioms and Their Stories".

Chinese idioms are set phrases which have evolved and been used over thousands of years, succinct and expressive, vivid and figurative. Often originated from fables, literature and historical facts or personages, their stories are therefore full of references and wisdom.

These new stamp releases are themed on Chinese idioms.

$1.40 - Respect makes successful marriage

The story goes that 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 idiom now denotes the respect between husband and wife.

The stamp portrays a couple greeting each other with a cup in their hands, showing mutual respect and politeness.

$2.40 - Reading is always rewarding

This 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. It is often used to illustrate the benefits of reading.

The stamp depicts Emperor Taizong of the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279 AD) reading by lamplight. He is reputed to have insisted upon reading every day despite heavy administrative duties.

$3 - Prepare for success

The story goes 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.

The young man in the stamp is practising sword training at dawn as Zu Ti did.

$5 - All in the same boat

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.

The stamp depicts two men standing in a boat on rough water. Their hands are clasped together to suggest concerted effort in times of trouble.

Information about associated philatelic products of this issue and sales restriction per queuing customer starting from 15 June 2006 are as follows:

Remarks: The above philatelic products have been included in the 2006 Local Standing Order Service.

The set of special stamps will be displayed at the General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office and Sha Tin Central Post Office from 25 May 2006. The Official First Day Cover will be put on sale at HK$1.00 each in all post offices on the same day. Advance orders for servicing self-provided souvenir covers will be accepted at all philatelic offices from 25 May to 1 June 2006.

Hand-back datestamping service will be provided at all post offices on 15 June 2006 for official and privately-made covers bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address. A special postmark will also be introduced and available for hand-back service at all post offices. In addition, the "GPO-1" postmark, the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark and the philatelic office pictorial postmark will be available for hand-back service at 39 philatelic offices on that day.

On 15 June 2006, the public hall of the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau on 1/F., Trade Square, 681 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for datestamping covers with the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark, the "GPO-1" postmark and the special postmark.

Stamp Printing Details

Special Postmark

Souvenir Sheet

Serviced First Day Cover affixed with Stamps

Serviced First Day Cover affixed with Souvenir Sheet

Presentation Pack

* Information provided in this link is subject to change.