2007 Lunar year of the Pig Stamp issue date: 7 September 2007 The Year of the Pig is the last in a series of miniature sheets issued by the South African Post Office celebrating the Chinese Lunar Year Calendar. The series began with the year of the Rat that was issued in 1996. Stamps celebrating the rest of the Chinese Lunar Calendar were issued consecutively with the Pig being the last in the series. The year of the Pig miniature sheet was issued on 7 September 2007. A special canceller and a commemorative envelope have also been issued. Designed by Annemarie Wessels, the miniature sheet has an oval shape with a design of a pig in a traditional Chinese style with gold foiling and embossing. The value on the stamp is B4, which is R4,89. According to the Chinese folklore, horoscopes have been developed around the animal sign. A Chinese horoscope may predict that a person born in the year of the particular sign would have specific characteristics in behavior, attitude, etc. It can also be used socially to find out somebody’s age. People born in the year of the pig are predicted to be fun, patient and understanding. They enjoy life and all it has to offer, including family and friends. They can be perceived as oblivious because they care so much about others that they will do just about anything for a friend in need. People born under this sign are more comfortable in giving their own time or attention to others than they would expect from them. Asking for help is not an easy task for them, they would rather carry the burden themselves. They will do anything to maintain a sense of peace among family or friends. |