Stamps celebrating the Year of the Horse sell like hot cakes around the world. Although in China it was the extreme. A release of 4000 stamps were selling out within an hour of going on the market. The stamps celebrate Jia-Wu Year, translated as the year of the Horse. “Horse” in Mandarin Chinese is a homonym with the word for luck.
From January 5 about 50,000 stamps were sold throughout the province in three days, with most going to either stamp collectors, those born in the Year of the Horse, or those with family members born in the year. The larger of the stamps sold for 24 yuan (US$3.9) and two smaller ones sold for 12 yuan (US$1.9) and 7.2 yuan (US$1.1) , but a day following the release the prices more than doubled. According to Want China Times, the prices went to 20 yuan (US$3.3), 70 yuan (US$11) and 240 yuan (US$39) for the two smaller and one larger versions.
The Chinese zodiac comprises 12 animal signs, among which the horse is the seventh. In Chinese culture, the horse is a symbol of nobility, class, speed and perseverance. People born in the Year of the Horse are said to be smart and good orators gifted at communicating. People bearing the horse sign strive towards seeking freedom and happiness.
But not only China is into the 'Year of the Horse'. Stamps to celebrate the Year are produced all over the world.
©Equnews.com/Horsetalk
