Celebrate the Lunar New Year with this colourful, scroll-shaped souvenir sheet, the perfect gift for a friend or relative born in the Year of the Monkey, or for parents expecting a child this year.  

At the bottom of the souvenir sheet is the international-rate stamp, while above it is the image from the domestic stamp. Both designs are inspired by Sun Wukong, or Monkey King, a central character from the 16th century Chinese novel Journey to the West. Sun Wukong’s colourful crown and headband extend beyond the upper border of the international-rate stamp. On the lower right corner of the stamp, and again on the upper left corner of the sheet, is the Chinese character hóu, meaning monkey. The characters are in gold, one of the Monkey’s lucky colours.

The Year of the Monkey begins on February 8, 2016, and ends on January 27, 2017. The ninth of 12 animals to appear in the Lunar Calendar, the Monkey is traditionally thought of as all-powerful and God-like, representing honour, luck, riches and longevity. Those born under this sign are known for their strong will, drive to succeed, excellent memory, skillfulness, and passion.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• ISSUE DATE: February 1, 2016
• STAMP DESIGNER: Albert Kai Wing Ng, O. Ont., FGDC, FRGD, and Linna Xu
• STAMP VALUE: $2.50 (international rate)
• NUMBER OF STAMPS INCLUDED: 1
• QUANTITY PRODUCED: 265,000
• DIMENSIONS: 40mm x 140mm