#United States #Houston #USPS #Lunar New Year #Year of the Horse

Celebrating Lunar New Year with a Special Stamp Release

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is excited to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year with the introduction of a new stamp honoring the Year of the Horse. This vibrant stamp represents the festive spirit of the holiday, slated to start on February 17, 2026, and continue until February 5, 2027.

Event Details

The public is invited to a first-day-of-issue ceremony on February 3, 2026, at the Chinese Community Center in Houston, Texas. This free event will feature notable figures including David Steiner, Postmaster General and CEO of USPS, who will lead the dedication ceremony alongside Gary Poon from the Chinese Community Center and chef Luis M. Chen. This gathering promises to be a remarkable celebration of cultural heritage and community.

What to Expect

Participants can expect an engaging atmosphere filled with joy and cultural appreciation. The first-day-of-issue stamp will be available for preorder on the USPS website starting February 3, 2026. It will be shipped out to customers shortly afterward. The event hashtag #LunarNewYearHorse will be used to share the excitement on social media.

The Artistic Design of the Stamp

Designed by USPS art director Antonio Alcalá, the Year of the Horse stamp features a stunning three-dimensional mask that provides a unique artistic representation of a horse's frontal view. The mask was created by artist Camille Chew using a combination of hand-printed paper, acrylic paint, and various embellishments. This design draws inspiration from traditional customs, particularly the decorative masks used in dragon and lion dances during Lunar New Year celebrations, aiming to connect viewers with the rich cultural history surrounding the festivities.

Significance of Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most significant cultural celebrations worldwide. It is observed with various local customs that showcase the vibrant traditions of Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and other East and Southeast Asian communities in the United States. Parades, colorful decorations, and fireworks feature prominently during this festive period, making it a truly enchanting time of year.

Previous Lunar New Year Series

This year marks the seventh stamp in the USPS's current Lunar New Year series, which began in 2020. This series aims to highlight various animal symbols from the Chinese zodiac, with upcoming stamps scheduled until 2031, celebrating the Year of the Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar. Previous series released between 1992 to 2004 and 2008 to 2019 showcased the artistry of Clarence Lee and Kam Mak, bringing cultural representation to the forefront of stamp design.

Conclusion

As the U.S. Postal Service gears up for this significant event, it invites community members to join the celebration and embrace the festivities surrounding Lunar New Year. The Year of the Horse stamp stands as a symbol of cultural pride and continuity, reinforcing a sense of community among diverse populations. To learn more about stamp releases and order your own, visit usps.com/shopstamps.