For the eleventh time, Magyar Posta is issuing a miniature sheet using motifs from the Chinese horoscope. This release shows the coming period from 10 February 2024 until 28 January 2025, that is the Year of the Dragon. Twenty thousand copies of the new stamp issue designed by Katalin Bódi were produced by the Pénzjegynyomda Zrt. printing company. The new issue will be available at first day post offices and Filaposta in Hungary from 1 February 2024, but may also be ordered from Magyar Posta’s online store.
Chinese astrology, known mainly for the 12 animal signs of the zodiac, is an esoteric tradition and discipline that is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and dates back thousands of years. It explains the behaviour of the basic elements of the world, and the order and cycles of nature. All of the years of the zodiac are cyclically associated with the five elements, which are Wood, Fire, Earth, Water and Metal.
The Chinese Lunar New Year and with it the Year of the Wood Dragon begins on 10 February 2024. Wood is a symbol of growth and progress, but the Dragon is also the mother of the Fire element, hence it can easily ignite passion. The relationship between Wood and Fire is comparable to that of spark and flame. The Chinese dragon symbolises goodness, courage, consistency and perseverance. In spring, the dragon rises into the sky, flying above the clouds, while in autumn it hides in the depths of the oceans. Its awakening signals a renewal of the Earth’s energy. The rapid flow of energies ensures major changes that will be typical of the year. In the end, the changes will start making the world a better place on both a collective and individual level. The dragon is a majestic creature of Chinese astrology, a symbol of intelligence, strength and perseverance, but also of passion, thus it is to be expected that not all the transitions will be peaceful when the changes begin. The Year of the Dragon will be followed by the Year of the Snake in 2025.
The two different stamp designs in the miniature sheet, the commemorative first day cover and the postmark on the first day cover feature dragon motifs.
