Detailed Description
It is a stock image only. If you want to see the picture of the actual stamp, please check with me before you bid or place the order.
In 2016 the U.S. Postal Service® will ring in the Year of the Monkey by issuing the ninth of 12 stamps in the Celebrating Lunar New Year series. The Year of the Monkey begins on February 8, 2016, and ends on January 27, 2017.
The monkey is one of the 12 zodiac animal signs associated with the Chinese lunar calendar. According to an old legend, the animals raced across a river to determine their order in the cycle. The rat crossed by riding on the back of the ox, jumping ahead at the last minute to win the race. Next came the ox, then the tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, and ram, followed by the monkey in ninth place.
People born in the year of a particular animal sign are said to share characteristics with that animal. Individuals born during the Year of the Monkey are said to be clever, wise, and honest. With their keen intellect and sociability, they can easily adapt to new situations.
As the most important holiday of the year for many Asian communities around the world, the Lunar New Year is celebrated primarily by people of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan, and Mongolian heritage. Images associated with some of these widespread customs are depicted in the Celebrating Lunar New Year series.
In the United States and elsewhere, the occasion is marked in various ways across many cultures; parades featuring enormous and vibrantly painted papier-mâché dragons, parties, and other special events are common. Vendors at outdoor markets sell flowers, toys, food, and other items for celebration. Musicians play drums, often decorated with peonies like those depicted in the stamp art, to celebrate this time of renewed hope for the future, with drumsticks sometimes painted red for luck. Many families present red envelopes (hongbao) containing money to children and loved ones. People eat foods that bring good luck, such as kumquats and rice cakes, and hang festive lanterns as decoration.
The U.S. Postal Service introduced its Celebrating Lunar New Year series in 2008 with the Year of the Rat. The series will continue through 2019 with stamps for the Year of the Rooster, Dog, and Boar.
Abbreviations
Multiple Variations
If you see a OR sign in the picture, this means there are multiple variations available for this item. The item consists of ONLY ONE of the variations as shown in the picture, not all variations. I will send out any one based on availability. If you want to specify any particular variation, please check with me before you bid the item or place the order.
Pre-order item
For any pre-order item, I will always ship it out together with everything on the same invoice once it is available. If you want other items arrive earlier, please let me know and I will split the invoice before you pay.
Large/Special Order
If you have any special order (large quantities, special stamps), please check with me directly. I have not posted everything due to the limited eBay store space.
Most of the items (except Pre-order items and FDC) will be sent out within 1 business day after you pay the invoice. Please review the positive feedback from the buyers. The actual delivery time varies due to the destination.
in the same invoice I will always get back to you within 12 hours.
If you are purchasing multiple stamps through "Buy it now" option, please make sure all the items
If you have any question, please check with me before any payment.
Package Loss Responsibilities
US Stamps Plate Number
The actual plate number of the US Stamps may vary unless it is specified in the Item description / title. If you need the exact plate number shown in the picture, please check with me before you place the order.
US Stamp Sheets Plate Position
The actual plate position of the US Stamp Sheets may vary unless it is specified in the Item description / title. If you need the exact plate position shown in the picture, please check with me before you place the order.