A journey of stamps through First Day Cover (FDC)

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 17:32:00 +0000

Merry Christmas
to
all my friends

Tiger-New Year’s Greeting Postage Stamps Mini sheet FDC from TAIWAN

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:14:00 +0000

FDC Name:New Year’s Greeting Postage Stamps.
Issue Date:1st DEC'2009
Details:To welcome the year of the tiger, Chunghwa Post issues a set of two New Year’s Greeting Postage Stamps (Issue of 2009) and a miniature sheet. Employing ink wash techniques from Chinese painting, the stamps portray the composed and awe-inspiring air of a tiger. The miniature sheet features a stately tiger on an open scroll. The designs are described below:

1.NT$3.50 Stamp: An image of a tiger gazing ahead, which symbolizes farsightedness, optimism, enterprise and luck.

2.NT$13.00 Stamp: A portrait of a tiger leisurely lying on the ground, which suggests talent, ambition, and new sources of revenue.

3.NT$12.00 Miniature Sheet: The sheet features a stately tiger on an open scroll, suggesting “good fortune is at hand” (the Chinese character for tiger sounds close to the character for good fortune). The design of the marginal inscription blends Chinese calligraphy, auspicious cloud patterns and colorful flowers to create a festive atmosphere.

Technical Details:

Printer :China Color Printing Co.Ltd

Paper :Phosphorescent Stamp paper

Process :Deep etch offset

Designer :Arteck Creative Consultants, Inc.

Remark:Nice real posted FDC on the by registered airmail post ,As I am TIGER collector this is my one of the prized collection for my theme.Recently I have won a award on my TIGER exhibit at Stampmania2009 for one frame .Many many thanks to Chen for such lovely FDC.

Tiger-New Year’s Greeting Postage Stamps FDC from TIWAN

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 07:22:00 +0000

1.NT$3.50 Stamp: An image of a tiger gazing ahead, which symbolizes farsightedness, optimism, enterprise and luck.

2. NT$13.00 Stamp: A portrait of a tiger leisurely lying on the ground, which suggests talent, ambition, and new sources of revenue.

Technical Details

Printer :China Color Printing Co.Ltd

Paper :Phosperorescent Stamp paper

Process :Deep etch offset

Designer :Arteck Creative Consultants, Inc.

Arachnid - Stamp Week 2009 FDC from MALAYSIA

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 07:03:00 +0000

FDC name:Arachnid - Stamp Week 2009
Issue Date:7th DEC'2009
Details:Arachnids are a class (Arachnida) of joint-legged invertebrate animals in the sub phylum Chelicerata. All arachnids have eight legs, although in some species the front pair may convert to a sensory function. The term is derived from the Greek word ἀράχνη (aráchnē), meaning "spider".Almost all arachnids are terrestrial. However, some inhabit freshwater environments and, with the exception of the pelagic zone, marine environments as well. They comprise over 100,000 named species, including spiders, scorpions, harvestmen, ticks, and mites.More

Stamp Value :30sen (2 designs) ; 50sen : RM 1.00
Sheet Content :20 Stamps
Paper :Phosphor Coated
Printing Process :Lithography
Printer :Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn Bhd
Stamp Designer :Hazel Design Sdn Bhd

Remark:Nice FDC sent by my friend Salimin but the POS Malaysia post office has made another cancellation on the stamps making the FDC a mess.I would have been more happy if my friend could send the Miniture sheet FDC to me also.Thanks

Stage Art of Ma Lianliang FDC from CHINA

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:25:00 +0000

FDC Name:Stage Art of Ma Lianliang
Issue Date:28th NOV'2009.
Details:China National Philatelic Corporation issued FDC and set of 2 stamps with total face value 2.40 yuan.The denominations

1.20: Summoning the East Wind
1.20: Orphan of the Zhao Family

Ma Lianliang (1901 - 1966), a native of Beijing, of Hui ethnic group, was a renowned master of Peking Opera. At the age of eight, he entered Xi Lian Cheng Opera School. After graduation, he combined what he learned from the school with bold innovation, and based on stage practice, he gradually developed a unique artistic style of his own, which is now commonly known as the Ma School. The images he portrayed on stage featured distinctive personalities, and in addition to outstanding performance in singing, recitation and acting, the master impressed the audience with his accurate representation of scenarios and vivid depiction of dramatic figures, thus realizing a perfect fusion of play plots with artistic forms. His most representative plays, including "Summoning the East Wind", "Sweet Dew Temple", "Su Wu as a Shepherd" and "Orphan of the Zhao Family", enjoy great popularity among the audience. The superb stage art of Ma Lianliang made a great contribution to the development of Peking Opera, exerting a profound influence that still lingers today.
Remark:Great FDC posted on the issue date by registered post and received here on 14th DEC'2009.

500th Anniversary of Cristmas tree FDC from LATIVA

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:12:00 +0000

FDC Name:500th Anniversary of Cristmas tree.
Issue Date:27th NOV'2009.
Details:
Designer: Girts Griva
Paper: Chalky
Printing process: Offset
Miniature Sheet composition: 10 (2 x 5) stamps
Printing run: 775 - 1.200.000; 776-777 - 300.000.
Michel catalogue numbers: 775-777
Printed at:SIA "Baltijas banknote", Latvija
Denomination

35 (S). multicoloured. Decoration of Christmas tree. Horse.
55 (S). multicoloured. Decoration of Christmas tree. Fish
60 (S). multicoloured. Decoration of Christmas tree. Snowflake.

Remark:Nice Christmas FDC posted on the issue date by registered post by my friend on the issue date,Many thanks & wish you all Merry Christmas.

State Definitive Series Special Collection - Garden Flowers FDC from MALAYSIA

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 04:57:00 +0000

FDC Name:State Definitive Series Special Collection - Garden Flowers.
Issue Date:24th NOV'2009.
Details: Malaysian postal administration has issued these 14 sets of six stamps in the form of souvenir sheets.A splendid FDC above with the series including the arms and the portrait of the Sultan of the State of Terengganu (north-east of the Malay Peninsula).

The Sultan of Terengganu since 1998, Mizan Zainal Abidin, shown above, is also the 13th King of Malaysia (Yang di-Pertuan Agong) since 2006.

Stamp Value :RM 25.00 (Consist of First Day Cover and Stamp sheet -for 14 states with stamps valued at 5 sen, 10sen, 20sen, 30sen, 40sen, 50sen)
Paper :SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated
Printing Process :Process: Lithography
Printer :Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn Bhd

Remark:Nice miniature sheet FDC posted on the issue date by my friend Terence Wong.FDC cancellation, fitting perfectly with the souvenir sheet, issued in Kuala Terengganu, capital of the state of Terengganu also royal capital.

Christmas-2 FDC from ESTONIA

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:17:00 +0000

FDC Name:Christmas
Issue Date:19th NOV'2009.
Details:Already centuries ago our forefathers marked the winter solstice as the most important event of the year. It was the time of cleaning and decorating the house (with a spruce tree, so-called Christmas crowns and krõllid), straw on the floor, beer, baked pork, Christmas bread and black pudding. The word jõul (Christmas) has been borrowed into Estonian from Scandinavia about a thousand years ago. At Christmas the Christian world marks the birth of Christ. Traditional Christmas services are carried out in all the churches. The Pope ushering in Christmas at a midnight mass in St Peter's Basilica, with the Vatican Television Center mediating it to the whole world, has acquired a global meaning.Christmas is reflected in the work of many great artists and composers. One of the best-known Christmas songs is Franz Xaver Gruber's Silent Night composed in 1818, which has been performed in about 300 languages and dialects. Over time the Christmas tree (15th century), the Advent crown (19th century), sending Christmas cards to friends and relatives (19th century), Santa Claus (20th century) and later also ginger breads and poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) have become part of Christmas traditions at different times. The first postage stamp dedicated to Christmas was issued in Canada in 1898, and Estonia got its first Christmas stamp in 1992. In today's rapidly changing world Christmas has become a mixture of forefathers' customs, the Christian tradition and commerce.

Denomination:	5.50
Date:	19.11.2009
Print:	ofset
Designer:	Lembit Lõhmus
Sheets:	2 x 5
Quantity issued:	1 000 000
Printing house:	AS Vaba Maa

Remark:My 1st Christmas FDC from Estonia,Many thanks and wish everybody a Merry Christmas.

Christmas-1 from ESTONIA

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:07:00 +0000

Denomination:	5.50
Date:	19.11.2009
Print:	ofset
Designer:	Lembit Lõhmus
Sheets:	2 x 5
Quantity issued:	1 000 000
Printing house:	AS Vaba Maa

Remark:My 1st Christmas FDC from Estonia,Many thanks and wish everybody a Merry Christmas.

Hara Lighthouse FDC from ESTONIA.

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:59:00 +0000

FDC Name:Hara Lighthouse.
Issue Date:24th SEP'2009.

Details:The small Hara Island near the western shore of Hara or Papilaht Bay (earlier Paponvik) is mainly covered with spruce forest. In 1909 an iron framework lighthouse 15.2 meters high was erected at the highest point (12 metres above sea level) of the island. At the time it had a major sprat salting facility with 350 workers where sprats were salted into tin cans under the name of Revelskiye kilki (Tallinn Sprats) since 1870. The Tallinn Sprats made in Hara were shipped to St Petersburg via Loksa Port. Initially the sea mark of Hara Island was visible to 10 nautical miles. In 1954 major rebuilding of the lighthouse was carried out as the navigation mark was to be connected with a new military port. The height of the tower was increased to 23.7 meters with the red light visible to seven nautical miles. But gradually importance of the port declined and in the late 1980s the installations were dismantled from the Hara Lighthouse and it became a day mark. Its present height is 24 metres and it consists of a cylinder with a conical red roof over a metal framework. The tip of the sea mark is clearly visible over the forest. The Hara Lighthouse will be one hundred this year.

Designers: Roman Matkiewicz
Paper: chalky
Printing process: offset
Perforation: 14 x 13 3/4
Size of a stamp: 33 x 27,50 mm.
Size of the Miniature Sheet: 99 x 165 mm.
Miniature Sheet composition: 10 (2 x 5) stamps
Printing run: 45.000 stamps or 4.500 Miniature Sheets
Michel catalogue number: 645

Remark:Nice FDC but received very lately due bad Indian postal system.

A Century of Track and Field Athletics FDC from ESTONIA

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:51:00 +0000

FDC Name:A Century of Track and Field Athletics in Estonia.
Issue Date:22nd SEP'2009.

Details:We count the centenary of Estonian athletics from the first athletics competitions in Tallinn and Tartu in 1909. The first Olympic Games of the antiquity can be regarded as the starting signal of modern athletics. The last century, which seems like an hour side by side with the the 3,000-year history of the games of the antiquity, offers unforgettable moments and emotions to all friends of sports and probably to every Estonian. The brightest of them are connected with the Olympic gold medals of high jumper Jüri Tarmak in 1972 in Munich, of triple jumper Jaak Uudmäe in 1980 in Moscow, of decathlete Erki Nool in 2000 in Syndey of discus thrower of Gerd Kanter in 2008 in Beijing.

Bird of the Year – Eurasian Tawny Owl FDC from ESTONIA

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:38:00 +0000

FDC Name:Bird of the Year – Eurasian Tawny Owl.
Issue Date:8th OCT'2009

Details:The Estonian Ornithological Society has chosen the tawny owl (Strix aluco) as the bird of the year 2009. The tawny owl, a bird in the order Strigiformes, is an age-old resident of Estonia, although it was relatively rare until the middle of the 19th century. The tawny owl prefers habitats close to humans – cemeteries, parks, broadleaved groves around farms or manor seats etc. The tawny is a nocturnal bird of prey who nests in large hollows and cracks in trees, but sometimes also in suitable holes in buildings. It willingly settles in nest boxes with a large entrance holes. There are from 1,000 to 2,00 nesting pairs of the tawny owl in Estonia at present. The tawny is about the size of a crow; it has large dark eyes and a brownish or grey plumage. The tawny starts nesting early in the year. Some couples lay their eggs already in February, although generally this activity occurs at the beginning or middle of March. The clutch, usually of three to four eggs, is incubated by the female alone in four weeks and it takes about as long for the young to fledge. The tawny’s wide diet includes almost any prey it can catch, mainly small rodents – particularly in rural areas – but birds, frogs, bats and earthworms will do as well. The tawny owl is a species in the third category of protected birds.

Designer: Vladimir Taiger
Paper: chalky
Printing process: offset
Perforation: 12 3/4 x 13
Size of a stamp: 41 x 41 mm.
Sheet composition: 20 (4 x 5) stamps
Printing run: 40.000
Michel catalogue number: 646

Remark:Nice Real posted FDC from Estonia and received by me on 28/10/2009.Great stamp design by Taiger with cancellation.

Angla Windmill FDC from ESTONIA

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:17:00 +0000

FDC Name:Angla Windmill.

Issue Date:22 OCT'2009.
Details:The Angla windmills lie in Angla Village at the Upa-Leisi road, one of the main traffic and tourist routes of Estonia's western Saaremaa Island. The group of windmills is a Saaremaa must, being a symbol of the island and one of the best surviving groups of windmills in Estonia, standing at its original location on Angla Windmill Hill. The group consists of five windmills – four post windmills with rotatory bodies, the fifth being an octagonal wooden Dutch windmill with a rotatory boat-shaped roof and gallery. The Reinu windmill, dating back to the beginning of the 19th century, is the oldest in the group. Lause windmill (1880) probably has older parts in its structure. The third windmill in the complex is that of Viita. The Vilidu windmill (1913) was thoroughly restored in 2008 and has the original function of grinding flour with a miller working as a guide there in the summer. The Tedre Dutch windmill (1927) is currently under restoration. The administrators of Angla Windmill Hill know their ancestors' heritage and how to take care of it and are now working at a paper about the history of Saaremaa's windmills.

Designers: I. Ilves
Paper: chalky
Printing process: offset
Perforation: 13 3/4 x 14
Size of a stamp: 26 x 36 mm.
Size of the Miniature Sheet: 156 x 108 mm.
Miniature Sheet composition: 10 (5 x 2) stamps
Michel catalogue number: 647

Remark:Nice real posted FDC by Pirjo Falten,Many thanks for such FDC,I have received the fdc on 7th NOV'2009.

Football (Brazil - Hong Kong Joint Issue) Minisheet FDC from Hong Kong

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:56:00 +0000

FDC Name:Football (Brazil - Hong Kong Joint Issue)
Issue Date:5th NOV'2009
Details:Football, a popular sport all over the globe, has long been a favourite pastime for people from all walks of life in Hong Kong. In Brazil, it is a sport played and watched with a national pride and passion that is deeply ingrained in Brazilian culture. To share with philately lovers the worldwide enthusiasm for the sport, Hongkong Post and Brazil Post jointly release the “Football” special stamps. This is our tenth joint issue with an overseas postal administration.

Professional football in Hong Kong dates back to 1968. The British style dominated at the beginning. From late 1990s onwards, however, more and more Brazilian footballers joined in, particularly the First Division clubs, bringing their unique style of play to the Hong Kong pitch. The Hong Kong Football Representative Team, which represents Hong Kong in international football tournaments, competed for the first time in World Cup qualification in 1973 and further advanced to the knockout stage in 1977 and 1985. To promote the sport locally, the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) organizes various programes to nurture young players. Talented footballers have the opportunity to join clubs in the HKFA leagues or represent Hong Kong in international competitions.

Football made its first touch down on Brazilian soil over a hundred years ago. It has now captured the energy and imagination of the whole nation from the streets to the leagues. Brazilian football emphasises aggressive attacks, passing skills and swift movements. What sets Brazilian football apart is its stylistic footwork with rhythm and choreography. Brazil appeared at the first World Cup in Uruguay in 1930 and hosted the World Cup in 1950. The Brazil National Football Team is considered one of the most successful national football teams in World Cup history with its record five victories in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.

In 2005, the Brazil National Football Team made its first visit to Hong Kong to play a friendly match against the Hong Kong Football Representative Team. With top-notch players from the five-time champion team, the event was exhilarating for football fans in Hong Kong.

The joint issue depicts players in action from both the Brazil and Hong Kong teams in comic strip style. The four stamps feature

Header by Striker ($1.40),
Defense by Goalkeeper ($2.40),
Long Pass by Skipper ($3) and
Tackle by Defender ($5).

In the design, quarters of the football positioned in different corners of the stamps come together at the center to form a complete picture, symbolizing the team spirit of this popular sport.
Remark:Nice real posted FDC from my friend from Hong Kong received here on 16th NOV'2009.Thanks for the great mini sheet FDC.

Saku Hall FDC from ESOTNIA

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 04:56:00 +0000

FDC Name:Saku Hall
Issue Date:5th NOv'2009.
Details:Saku Hall is the most outstanding architectural monument in the small town of Saku on the middle reaches of the Vääna River close to Tallinn, one of the most beautiful examples of Classical architecture in Estonia. The first reports of the manor go back to 1489 when the manor seat was situated a few kilometers to the south from the present location. It moved to where it stands today in the 17th century. It had a number of earlier owners but in 1765 Otto Magnus von Rehbinder bought the estate. His grandson Paul Eduard started to build up the mansion in a grand style. The manor hall has a portico with rich decor supporting on four beautiful columns and large “Venetian” windows. The architect has remained unidentified (the famous Carlo Rossi of St. Petersburg has been suggested as one of the possible authors). Stucco décor and stenciled paintings enhance the interior. In the 20th century the manor hall housed a domestic economy school and then a specialized secondary school. It has also served as the seat of the local government. Today Saku Hall functions as a holiday and seminar center.

Denomination:	5.50
Date:	05.11.2009
Print:	ofset
Designer:	Jaan Saar
Perforation:	14 : 13¾
Sheets:	5 x 4
Quantity issued:	40 000
Printing house:	AS Vaba Maa

Michel catalogue number: 648
Remark:Nice real posted FDC in my address,Many many thanks to my friend.

International Philatelic Festival “Italy 2009” FDC from ARGENTINA

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:00 +0000

FDC Name:International Philatelic Festival “Italy 2009”.
Issue Date:24th OCT'2009.
Remark:Nice Miniature sheet FDC from my friend from Argentina,The stamps are very special with different kind of printing.Great one

India - Philippines Joint Issue Miniature Sheet FDC from India

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:10:00 +0000

FDC name:India-Philippines Joint Issue.
Issue Date:16th NOV'2009.
Details:India post has issued two stamps,FDC and miniature sheet for India Philippines Joint issue.The month of November 2009 is to be celebrated as “Philippines-India Friendship Month” in view of 60 years of diplomatic relations with India.The stamps were INR 5.00 and INR 20.00,where as the miniature sheet is INR 25.00
Remark:As we have not received the official FDC on the issue date my friend has sent the M/s to me by self made cover by registered post.

Typhoon Morakot - Relief Surtax Stamps Souvenier Sheet FDC from TAIWAN

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:59:00 +0000

FDC Name:Typhoon Morakot Relief Surtax Stamp
Issue Date:9th OCT'2009
Details:On August 7, 2009, typhoon Morakot slammed into Taiwan. The torrential rains lasted for two days and nights, causing many casualties and serious damages in the hard-hit areas of southern and eastern Taiwan. Wishing to make a contribution to the enormous funds needed by the government for disaster relief and reconstruction, and to make a call to the public to put compassion into action, Chunghwa Post is issuing a Typhoon Morakot Relief Surtax Stamps Souvenir Sheet to raise funds for relief efforts, as it did after the 921 Earthquake in 1999 by issuing the 921 Earthquake Relief Surtax Stamps Souvenir Sheet.

This souvenir sheet contains two stamps, focusing respectively on the themes of "We are all in the same boat." and "Let’s conserve the land and rebuild our homes." The borders of the stamps have printed imitation perforation. Both of the stamps have denominations of NT$25, and each bears an additional surtax of NT$25, which will be contributed to typhoon Morakot relief. This brings the total value of the souvenir sheet to NT$100.

A total of 600,000 sheets will be issued and sold from October 9, 2009 to April 8, 2010. After the sale, the money raised via the surtax will be calculated and turned over to a special fund for disaster relief set up by the Ministry of Interior.
Remark:Nice FDC for good cause,posted by my friend from Taiwan by registered post and received by me here on 20th NOV'2009.

20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Child(CRC) FDC from MALASIA

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0000

FDC NAME:20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Child(CRC)
Issue Date:09th October 2009.
Details:2009 is the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This legally binding treaty calls on all citizens of the world, from its leaders to each and every one of us to live up to our duties to ensure every child survives and thrives, free from hunger, want, neglect and abuse.

The CRC demands from every one of us, as part of a caring society, to place children at the heart of human development. Not only because this offers a strong return on our investment; nor because of the vulnerability of childhood calls upon our compassion; but rather because that is every child's right.

Five stamps with FDC was issued the details denominations are:
1.30sen: Right to Play
Play and participation are critical rights for every child. It facilitates creativity, individuality and social, physical and intellectual growth. There are children however who are deprived of play due to conflict, disease and exploitation. Building safe social and physical environment must be a priority so all children can play and develop into caring citizens free to participate in shaping their own societies.
2.30sen: Right to FoodEvery child born into this world has a right to survive. Nutritious food and clean water are amongst the most essential needs to ensure a child's good health to develop mentally and physically. Universal and sustainable food security is part and parcel of protecting this right for children and their families.
3.30sen: Right to Learn
The ABCs are the beginning of a brighter future for every child. The opportunity to learn and benefit from development must be the right of all children, regardless of gender, ethnicity, economic background, disability, citizenship or HIV status. Only when every single child is able to read and write, can we truly begin to reduce poverty and guarantee true human progress for all communities.
4.30sen: Right to Protection
Every child has the right to grow up safe, free from abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination. Yet many experience violence in their childhood, their homes and families, schools, care systems and communities. Giving our children a happy childhood is only possible when society unites to openly confront violence and to defend children's right to protection.
5.RM1: Born with Rights
Children are the seeds of a country's future. For them to grow and realize the fullest potential, a conducive environment for their development and growth must first be set in place. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) helps create this environment for children aged 18 and below by setting the standards for their health care, education , as well as legal, civil and social services.

And although translating the vision and values of the CRC into reality is chiefly the government's responsibility, society as a whole is also responsible for realizing the CRC's objectives. Parents, teachers, health workers, advocates and even children themselves, play crucial roles every day to protect and guarantee the rights of all children.

To ensure that children are accorded their rights as enshrined in the CRC, Article 45 of the CRC itself mandates that UNICEF play the most important role of all; Help foster the implementation of the rights of the child.
Remark:Nice FDC posted by my two friends from Malaysia,I have given one.Thanks to Mohd Sodikin Salimin(postmen has cancelled local mark on first day cancellation)& Terence Wong.

60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China FDC from HONGKONG

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +0000

FDC Name:60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China.
Issue Date:1st OCT'2009
Details:Founded on 1 October 1949, the People's Republic of China celebrates her 60th anniversary this year. Over the past 60 years, China has amazed the world with her remarkable success in development. While looking back with pride at our numerous accomplishments, all Chinese people strive for an even brighter tomorrow.
To mark this memorable moment, Hongkong Post issues a set of commemorative stamps. The set of six stamps is designed based on the winning entry of the Stamp Design Competition for the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China jointly organised by the Home Affairs Bureau, Radio Television Hong Kong, the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education and the Commission on Youth.

Victoria Harbour and Tiananmen Square depicted on two interlocking cogwheels ($1.40), and the
five-star national flag flying by the side of the "Forever Blooming Bauhinia" ($1.80), symbolize the intimate and inseparable bond between Hong Kong and our Motherland.
The Bird's Nest ($2.40) reminds us of the country's first hosting of the Olympic Games
while the successful launch of China's manned spacecraft Shenzhou-7 ($2.50) marks her rapid technological advancement and development.
The Temple of Heaven against the backdrop of an illuminated globe ($3) and
a golden dragon soaring above the Great Wall ($5) signify the nation's rising economic and international status.

The six stamps also fit into a perfect ring on the mini sheet with the accompanying number "6", bringing out the theme of the 60th anniversary.
Remark:Nice FDC with odd shape stamps set.The design of stamps are excellent. The souvenir sheet was great but my friend has sent the FDC with stamps only.

Children's Folk Rhymes FDC from TAIWAN

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:57:00 +0000

FDC Name:Children's Folk Rhymes.
Issue Date:26th August 2009.
Details:Chunghwa Post are regularly issuing stamps on children's folk Rhymes so they are now following up with another set of four stamps on the subject.

NT$5.00: "Little Girl and Her Doll"Originally named "Doll in the Garden," the stamp features a little girl carrying a doll on her back, with the background features the garden described in the song. The little birdie in the upper right corner is a fun nod to the last line of the song and is sure to bring a smile to everyone face.

NT$5.00: "Train"In reflection of the song's theme, the stamp features a child happily riding a train. The red color is lively and fun and creates a joyous atmosphere, conveying the kid's excitement as he gets closer to home.

NT$5.00: "Thunder Shower" The big raindrops of the thundershower echo the name of the song. The pink lotus blossoms in the pond and the fireflies and anthropomorphic fish in the rain add layers of interest to the turquoise water.

NT$5.00: "Kingdom of Dolls"The stamp features the king and his soldier leaving their palace on horseback. The distant castle is in reference to the name of the song. The king and the soldier, on the one hand, and the castle, on the other—one in the front and one in the back, one large and one small—create a sense of rhythm for the entire composition.

Remark:Beautiful set of stamps on the FDC,Posted on the issue date by registered airmail post.Many thanks for such lovely FDC.

Labrang Monastery FDC from CHINA

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:46:00 +0000

FDC Name:Labrang Monastery.
Issue Date:2nd AUGUST 2009.
Details: 2 special stamps and a FDC was issued by China National Philatelic Corporation

1.20: Grand Sutra Hall

Grand Sutra Hall was built by Living Buddha Jamyang I and reconstructed in 1990. Housing a plaque inscribed with three Han characters meaning "Wisdom Temple", bestowed by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it is the Han-Tibetan-style building with the largest floor space in the monastery.

1.20: Gongtang Pagoda

Gongtang Pagoda, rising 31.33 meters in height, was first built in 1805 and reconstructed in 1993. The golden pagoda is a Tibetan Buddhist architectural model in combining pagoda with monastery.

Located in Xiahe County, Gansu Province, Labrang Monastery is one of the great monasteries of the Geluk School of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded in 1709 by Living Buddha Jamyang I, Ngawang Tsondru. Comprising six institutes of learning, namely the College of Contemplation and Meditation, Upper Tantric College, Lower Tantric College, the College of Vajra Dorge, the College of the Wheel of Time, and the College of Medicine, the monastery is the highest-level academy of Tibetan Buddhism in Gansu Province. With imposing buildings, beautiful murals and abundant cultural relics, it is regarded as a treasure house of Tibetan culture and art. A place for gathering and reciting scriptures.
Remark:Nice real posted FDC by my friend from China

Stork Tower and Golden Gate (China - Ukraine Jointly Issue) FDC from CHINA

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:36:00 +0000

FDC Name:Stork Tower and Golden Gate (China - Ukraine Jointly Issue).
Issue Date:14th AUGUST 2009.
Details:China national Philatelic corporation has issued 2 stamp/set and FDC,The details are as follows.

1.20: Stork Tower

The Stork Tower, originally located on the bank of the Yellow River in the western suburbs of Puzhou Ancient Town in China's Shanxi Province, was first built during the Northern Zhou Dynasty (557-581), destroyed by war fire in the early Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368), and renovated in 2002. It was so named because of the storks inhabiting here when it was newly erected. One of the "Four Great Towers of Ancient China", the tower is a symbolic structure in the Yellow River Valley, and its fame increased dramatically thanks to the poem "Ascending the Stork Tower", attributed to noted Tang Dynasty poet Wang Zhihuan.

1.20: Golden Gate

The Golden Gate, erected during the 11 Century, was the main gala entrance to the ancient Ukrainian city of Kiev. So named because of the gilded dome of Annunciation Church, it is one of the very few well-preserved buildings dating to the period of Prince Jaroslav Moudry.
Remark:Nice joint issue FDC & posted on the issue date by registered post.Many thanks to my friend from China.

The Great Hall of the People FDC from CHINA

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:28:00 +0000

FDC Name:The Great Hall of the People.
Issue Date:18th JULY 2009.
Details:China National Philatelic Cooperation has issued 2 stamps/set and FDC.The details are

1.20: The East Gate

The East Gate is the main entrance to the Great Hall of the People, where welcome ceremonies for national guests take place while the Guard of Honor of the three services of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is reviewed.

1.20: The Great Auditorium

The ceiling illumination system of the Great Auditorium has a red five-star lighting as the center, surrounded by golden sunflower petals and rays of luster, and the rest of the ceiling is dotted with more than 500 lamps shining like stars, symbolizing that people of all ethnic groups of the nation rally closely around the CPC Central Committee.

Constructed in 1959, and personally named by Chairman Mao Zedong, the Great Hall of the People covers an area of 15 hectares with a floor space of 171,800 square meters. In addition to the 10,000-seat Great Auditorium, the Banquet Hall, the conference hall of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), the building also houses 34 reception chambers named after different provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and special administrative regions of the country. It is an important venue for the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the State government to hold political, diplomatic and social events, and there the Standing Committee of the NPC handles official business.

Over the past 50 years, the Great Hall of the People has witnessed the course of the Chinese people towards great prosperity through reform and opening-up under the leadership of the CPC, the construction and development of China's socialist democracy and legal system, and the remarkable achievements of the nation in economic, political, cultural and social construction. The year 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the Great Hall of the People.
Remark:Nice FDC posted on the issue date by registered airmail post and received very lately.

Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve FDC from CHINA

rathss@indiatimes.com (Swarup Rath) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:16:00 +0000

FDC Name:Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve.
Issue date:25th JULY 2009.
Details:3 stamps set was issued the details denominations are as follows:

1.20: Geladandong-Geladandong Snow Mountain, the highest in the Tanggula Mountains, is where the Tuotuo River (headstream of the Yangtze River) originates.

1.20: Eling-Lake-Eling Lake, the most important natural storage reservoir in the Yellow River source are, is one of the pair of largest freshwater lakes on the upper reaches of the Yellow River, the other being Zhaling Lake. The two are dubbed as "Sister Lakes at the Source of the Yellow River".

1.20: Dza Chu-Dza Chu, the head stream of the Lancang River, converges with the Angqu River, which originates from Mt. Gangguori of the Tanggula Mountains, to form the Lancang River.

Sanjiangyuan (Source of Three Rivers) Nature Reserve, covering an area of 152,300 square kilometers in southern Qinghai Province, is so named because of its location at the headwaters of the Changjiang (Yangtze), Huanghe (Yellow) and Lancang rivers. It was established to protect the local plateau wetland ecosystem, alpine meadows and wildlife and plants. Here are numerous lakes and swamps, a dense network of rivers, and wide distribution of snow mountains and glaciers. Home to the world's highest-altitude wetlands, the Sanjiangyuan are is reputed to be the "Source of Rivers" and the "Water Tower of China".
Remark:Nice FDC real posted on the issue date by registered post.