Malta Releases Zodiac Stamps to Celebrate Year of the Snake
New stamp series highlights cultural ties between Malta and China as part of the Lunar New Year festivities.
MaltaPost officially launched its Year of the Snake zodiac postage stamps on February 12, 2025, in Valletta, marking the second consecutive year the nation has released stamps in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
The release coincides with global celebrations of the Lunar New Year, which this year marks the Year of the Wood Snake.
The new stamp set features two distinct designs, collaboratively created by Maltese artist Fabio Agius and Chinese designer Fang Jun. The first design by Agius integrates the serpent’s form with Malta's renowned floral-patterned ceramic tiles, reflecting a harmonious blend of Maltese and Chinese art.
The second design by Fang Jun incorporates elements such as the traditional Chinese knot, symbolic of good fortune, and the Eye of Horus, an ancient emblem associated with protection in Maltese maritime culture.
MaltaPost Chairman Joseph Said remarked on the cultural importance of these stamps, stating that they serve as a medium for enhancing international friendship and cultural exchanges between Malta and China.
The launch event was attended by members of the philatelic community, further emphasizing the stamps' role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
A parallel ceremony took place in Beijing, co-organized by the Beijing Zodiac Philatelic Research Association and the Beijing Zodiac Culture Theme Post Office.
Yuan Xikun, director of the Beijing Jintai Art Museum, expressed the growing global interest in zodiac culture, highlighting it as a bridge for fostering dialogue between different cultures.
He noted that the issuance of these stamps not only celebrates traditional Chinese culture but also promotes a deeper understanding of Chinese customs in Malta.
Further supporting this initiative, Liao Hongyun, president of the Beijing Zodiac Philatelic Research Association, characterized the stamp release as a demonstration of the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
Chen Juheng, a councilor of the Maltese Chinese Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that this initiative marks a significant moment, being the first instance of a Chinese designer's contribution to Malta's zodiac stamp series.
Chen expressed hopes for future collaborations aimed at further promoting Chinese zodiac culture within Malta's philatelic framework.
The release coincides with global celebrations of the Lunar New Year, which this year marks the Year of the Wood Snake.
The new stamp set features two distinct designs, collaboratively created by Maltese artist Fabio Agius and Chinese designer Fang Jun. The first design by Agius integrates the serpent’s form with Malta's renowned floral-patterned ceramic tiles, reflecting a harmonious blend of Maltese and Chinese art.
The second design by Fang Jun incorporates elements such as the traditional Chinese knot, symbolic of good fortune, and the Eye of Horus, an ancient emblem associated with protection in Maltese maritime culture.
MaltaPost Chairman Joseph Said remarked on the cultural importance of these stamps, stating that they serve as a medium for enhancing international friendship and cultural exchanges between Malta and China.
The launch event was attended by members of the philatelic community, further emphasizing the stamps' role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
A parallel ceremony took place in Beijing, co-organized by the Beijing Zodiac Philatelic Research Association and the Beijing Zodiac Culture Theme Post Office.
Yuan Xikun, director of the Beijing Jintai Art Museum, expressed the growing global interest in zodiac culture, highlighting it as a bridge for fostering dialogue between different cultures.
He noted that the issuance of these stamps not only celebrates traditional Chinese culture but also promotes a deeper understanding of Chinese customs in Malta.
Further supporting this initiative, Liao Hongyun, president of the Beijing Zodiac Philatelic Research Association, characterized the stamp release as a demonstration of the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
Chen Juheng, a councilor of the Maltese Chinese Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that this initiative marks a significant moment, being the first instance of a Chinese designer's contribution to Malta's zodiac stamp series.
Chen expressed hopes for future collaborations aimed at further promoting Chinese zodiac culture within Malta's philatelic framework.
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