The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) celebrates the new lunar calendar with the issuance of a special event sheet for the “Year of the Snake”, which begins 29 January 2025 and continues until 16 February 2026.
The ten $1.65 denominated stamps and background design show four snakes intimately embracing and coiling around each other.
In Chinese culture, the circular connection of head to tail signifies endless continuity. The vibrant red colour represents the exuberance and energy of life, every-renewing. The snakes’ united embrace, reminiscent of a Chinese knot and the folk game “Jumping the Four Directions”, adds a playful touch.
Each snake with its unique pattern, intertwines to represent the vibrant diversity of the world’s nations, united in harmony. Using minimalistic lines, peace lilies are gently sketched, underscoring the message of unity, friendship, and peaceful coexistence.
The tabs to the left of the stamps show the United Nations emblem on a gold background.
The stamps and the background design were illustrated by Tiger Pan (China). Mr. Pan also illustrated the UN Lunar Calendar series for the 2018 Year of the Dog, 2022 Year of the Tiger, 2023 Year of the Rabbit and 2024 Year of the Dragon.
UNPA will also offer a Year of the Snake postcard and a first day cover with the same design as the stamps.
The stamp sheets may be personalized with a photograph to replace the UN emblem. Customers can visit the UNPA stamp shops in New York, Geneva, or Vienna to have their photos taken in person or they can upload their photos and order stamps directly from the UNPA website: unstamps.org/personalized stamps.
UN stamps are available online at www.unstamps.org and in-person from shops at the UN Headquarters in New York, Geneva and Vienna where the stamps can be used for mailing.
The United Nations Postal Administration is part of the Facilities and Commercial Activities Service (FCAS) in the Division of Administration (DOA) of the Department of Operational Support (DOS). Read about DOS on iSeek and our website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
