#United States #Boston #Lunar New Year #Year of the Snake #USPS Stamp

Celebrating the Year of the Snake with a New Stamp

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has announced an exciting event to commemorate the Lunar New Year, unveiling the Year of the Snake stamp. This vibrant postage stamp marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year festivities that will start on January 29, 2025, and continue until February 16, 2026. This year’s celebrations will be highlighted by a public ceremony and community engagement designed to resonate with cultural traditions and modern celebrations.

Event Details

The first-day-of-issue event is scheduled for January 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. EST in the Boch Center – Wang Theatre, located at 270 Tremont St., Boston, MA. The event is free and promises to be a colorful celebration, alongside rich cultural showcases. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP online at usps.com/lunarnewyearsnake.

The announcement was made by Luke Grossmann, the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of the USPS. He emphasized the importance of embracing diverse cultural traditions through postal services, stating, “Our stamps tell stories and connect people across communities.” Isabel Kim, CFO of The Asian American Foundation, will also be participating, highlighting the collaboration between organizations to promote cultural heritage in the U.S.

Cultural Significance

The Lunar New Year is not only celebrated in China, but also across many Asian communities worldwide. It is a time for families to come together, reflect on the past year, and look forward to new beginnings. Traditional customs include hosting parades, decorating with red and gold lanterns, igniting firecrackers to drive away spirits, and enjoying special meals with loved ones.

The Year of the Snake is the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac, known for representing wisdom and introspection. People born under this sign are often viewed as intelligent and graceful individuals who excel in stimulating professions such as music, writing, and philosophy. Interestingly, the upcoming year is recognized as the Wood Snake, a symbol of flexibility and creativity. The design for the stamp was created by artist Camille Chew, who combined traditional symbolism with contemporary art.

Purchasing the Stamp

In addition to the celebration, the USPS encourages stamp collecting enthusiasts and the public to purchase this special stamp and other philatelic items. Stamps will be available at various outlets, including the USPS Online Store, postal locations, and through the official USPS Licensed Collection on platforms such as Amazon. This initiative allows people to embrace the festivities while also collecting a piece of cultural and artistic history.

The Role of USPS

As an independent federal entity, the USPS works to serve all Americans by ensuring the reliable delivery of mail and packages across the nation. They emphasize sustainability and modernization through their 10-year transformation plan, named Delivering for America, designed to enhance operational efficiency while meeting the diverse needs of the communities they serve.

In summary, the USPS’s release of the Year of the Snake stamp is not just a postal affair, but a heartfelt celebration of culture, heritage, and community spirit. For those looking to celebrate Lunar New Year, this event presents a wonderful opportunity to participate in meaningful traditions while connecting with fellow community members.

Stay tuned online with the hashtags #LunarNewYearSnake and #LunarNewYearStamp for all the latest updates regarding this auspicious occasion and join the festivities as we herald in the Year of the Snake!