On Dec. 23, Xi’an Evening News reviewed a series of themed stamps issued by countries outside China to celebrate the year of the pig according to the Chinese lunar calendar.

Year-of-pig stamp issued in South Korea

Early in 1970, South Korea took the lead in issuing such types of stamps. Korea Post issued a set of two stamps to welcome the year of the pig in 1971, with one featuring a seven-colored clay pig in a green background.

In 1971, a seven-yen stamp was designed by Japan in celebration of the Lunar New Year.

Year-of-pig stamp issued in Vietnam

Twenty three years later, the Philippines issued its first set of year-of-pig stamps, depicting a clay pig wearing a pink bowknot and a couple of cartoon pigs. Around the same period, North Korea and Vietnam also issued their first sets of pig-themed stamps that were full of local characteristics.

Year-of-pig stamp issued in the US

In addition to Asian countries, the US, France, Australia and some countries in Africa and Latin America also issued related special stamps, indicating the popularity of China’s zodiac culture overseas.

Year-of-pig stamp issued in France

China started to issue zodiac stamps from 1980. China Posts will issue the year-of-pig stamps in January to welcome the approaching lunar year starting from Feb. 5, 2019.

(Compiled by Fang Tian)