Christmas stamp
Christmas stamp refers to postage stamps issued by postal services around the world to commemorate the Christmas holiday season. These stamps are typically used for postage during the Christmas mailing season and often feature designs that reflect various aspects of the holiday, such as Christmas trees, Santa Claus, Nativity scenes, and winter landscapes. Christmas stamps are popular among philatelists (stamp collectors) and are also used by the general public for sending Christmas cards and holiday greetings.
History[edit | edit source]
The tradition of issuing Christmas stamps began in Canada in 1898 with a stamp that was inscribed "XMAS 1898". However, it was not specifically designed for Christmas and was actually intended to mark the inauguration of the Imperial Penny Postage rate. The first stamps specifically designed to commemorate Christmas were issued by Austria in 1937. Since then, many countries have issued their own Christmas stamps annually, making them a beloved tradition for both collectors and the general public.
Design and Themes[edit | edit source]
Christmas stamps often feature artwork that is reflective of the holiday season. Common themes include religious motifs such as the Nativity scene, which depicts the birth of Jesus Christ, and secular motifs like Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and winter wildlife. Some stamps also highlight cultural and national traditions related to Christmas, as well as classical artworks associated with the holiday.
Collecting[edit | edit source]
Collecting Christmas stamps is a popular hobby among philatelists. These stamps are collected for their aesthetic appeal, historical value, and the unique stories they tell about the culture and traditions of the issuing countries. Specialized catalogues and exhibitions often feature Christmas stamps, and they are a popular topic of study and collection.
Impact[edit | edit source]
Beyond their use for postage, Christmas stamps play a significant role in spreading holiday cheer and awareness of various cultural and religious traditions associated with Christmas. They also serve as a reminder of the importance of connecting with others through the sending of holiday greetings and well-wishes.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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