Romfilatelia, the company specialized in issuing and trading Romanian postage stamps, releases the postage stamp issue Tulips.
Elegant and with numerous multicoloured variations, the tulip (Tulipa gesneriana) fascinates us during every spring with its flowers that provide a special charm to parks and gardens. The very popular tulip grows from a bulb covered by a protecting brown jacket. Every year, from the original bulb, other several bulbs grow, thus contributing to the renewal of the culture and allowing the reproduction of tulips, which become decorative plants found in gardens and window boxes. From the buds found on the bulb disc start the aerial shanks with flowers on top and green-bluish leaves of elongated shape, widened towards the stem. The height of the stems, the shape and colour of the flowers, as well as the maximum growth period depend on the variety. From the multitude of shapes and colours, the bicolour tulips with fringed petals or those similar to lilies or water lilies stand out.
The tulips originates in the Near East, from the mountain area of Asia Minor, but it can also be found in various regions of China and Japan. “Tulipa” – which is the scientific name of the tulip, originates from the Turkish language, considering the likeness between the floral cup of the tulip and the traditional turban. The image of the tulip is present on many Oriental carpets, on ceramics, as well as on ornaments.
In 17th century Holland, tulip bulbs were used as currency, whose value was equal to their weight in gold, and owning them was considered a sign of richness.
In Romania, the tulip has been present since the 1790’s, when the first decorative gardens were arranged. Today, the most famous city in the country for having a holiday dedicated to this flower is Pitesti, with its famous “Tulip Symphony” that has been played since the beginning of the 70’s, at the very end of April.
The postage stamps issue presents the following varieties of tulips:
- Cardinal – on the postage stamp with the face value of Lei 1.00;
- Don Quixote – on the postage stamp with the face value Lei 3.60;
- Donna Bella – on the postage stamp with the face value of Lei 2.10;
- Turkestanica – on the postage stamp with the face value of Lei 0.30;
- Yellow Empress – on the postage stamp with the face value of Lei 1.50;
- Ice Folies – on the postage stamp with the face value of Lei 0.50.
