Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Snake

Overview

Lunar New Year is the most important of the traditional Chinese festivals and is celebrated by Chinese people throughout the world. Seen as a time of renewal, it is also known as Spring Festival.

Lunar New Year celebrations vary regionally in China, and other countries with Chinese populations, but they centre on family. A family reunion dinner is held, with specially prepared food. Incense is burned for ancestors; friends visit each other with presents, and cards are exchanged. To promote good fortune, gifts of money wrapped in lucky red paper envelopes are given, and houses and streets are decorated with lanterns. Traditional lion and dragon dances are performed, and fireworks are set off. Many families stay up to watch a special New Year broadcast on TV. The celebrations conclude with the annual Lantern Festival.

The Chinese Zodiac is made up of a 12-year cycle and Chinese animal signs are used for dating the years. According to the lunar calendar, the year begins somewhere towards the end of January or early February. The recurring animal year cycle is Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (or Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

The Year of the Snake begins on 29 January 2025 and ends on 16 February 2026. The sixth animal in the 12-year cycle, birth years for Snakes include 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025. Those born under this sign tend to be the most enigmatic animal among the 12 zodiac animals. People born in a year of the Snake are supposed to be the most intuitive. Snakes tend to act according to their own judgments while remaining private and reticent. They are determined to accomplish their goals and hate to fail. Snakes represent the symbol of wisdom. They are intelligent and wise. They are good at communication but say little. Snakes are usually regarded as great thinkers.

Snakes are most compatible with those born under the Ox and Rooster and least compatible with the Tiger, Horse or Pig. In 2025, lucky numbers for Snakes are 2,8 and 9; lucky colours are black, red and yellow; and the lucky flower is the orchid or cactus.

Technical specifications

Issue date: 7 January 2025
Issue withdrawal date: 31 December 2025
Denomination: 1 x $1.50, 1 x $3, 1 x $3.30
Stamp illustration: Chrissy Lau
Product design: Jason Watts, Australia Post Design Studio
Typography: Jo Muré, Australia Post Design Studio
Paper: gummed: Tullis Russell 104gsm Red Phosphor/Blue PVA Stamp Paper
Printing process: Offset lithography
Printer: RA
Stamp size (mm): 26 x 37.5
Minisheet size (mm): 170 x 80
Perforations: 14.6 x 13.86
Sheet layout: Module of 50 (gutter design $4.50) Gold foiling
FDI postmark: Christmas Island WA 6798
FDI withdrawal date: 5 February 2025

Stamps in this issue

The stamps were designed by Chrissy Lau. The colours are red and gold, considered lucky in Asian cultures. The three snakes are shown in the ancient Feng Shui traditions: the Feng Shui Gold Coin Snake, the Feng Shui Gold Ingot Snake and the Feng Shui Money Tree Snake. All are indications of wealth and prosperity.