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

USPS Unveils the Year of the Snake Stamp

On January 14, 2025, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) held a remarkable unveiling ceremony for its latest stamp, commemorating the Lunar New Year: the Year of the Snake. This festive event took place at the historic Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, celebrating both the rich cultural significance of the Lunar New Year and the contributions of diverse communities in the United States.

A Symbol of Diversity and Celebration

Luke Grossmann, the chief financial officer and executive vice president of USPS, expressed pride in the stamp series, stating, "Our Lunar New Year stamp series is extremely popular and we are very proud of how it highlights and celebrates America's great diversity." The stamp series, which consists of 21 million copies, is now available at local Post Offices and online at usps.com.

The unveiling event was graced by notable attendees, including Tiffany Chu, the chief of staff from Mayor Wu's office; Terri Mock from the Board of Directors of the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center; Isabel Kim from the Asian American Foundation; and performing artists from the Wah Lum Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy. This diverse representation highlighted the importance of community engagement during this festive occasion.

The Significance of Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year signifies new beginnings and is marked by various celebrations worldwide, particularly among communities of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Mongolian, Malaysian, and Singaporean descent. The 2025 celebrations will begin on January 29 and extend until February 16, 2026—the duration of the Year of the Snake on the Chinese zodiac, which ranks as the sixth animal of the twelve. This holiday is a time of gatherings, familial bonds, and rich traditions that include parades, firecrackers, and the sharing of meals, often centered on traditional foods.

The presence of symbolic colors red and gold during this festive season represents hope, happiness, and prosperity, making it a visually appealing celebration. The Year of the Snake particularly symbolizes traits such as wisdom, depth, and introspection, turning it into an inspiring theme for many.

The Design Behind the Stamp

The artistic vision for the Lunar New Year Stamp was influenced by the brilliant work of USPS art director Antonio Alcalá and artist Camille Chew. Together, they infused modern aesthetics into traditional elements, creating a vibrant representation of the snake's mask used in the festive dragon or lion dances.

The design features a three-dimensional snake mask primarily made of hand-printed paper, adorned with purple baubles and colorful flowers, reflecting nature's beauty during spring. The predominant use of greens and blues symbolizes the wood element associated with the Year of the Snake, while gold elements enhance the festive charm.

Availability and Purchasing Options

These stamps, issued in panes of 20, are classified as Forever stamps, ensuring their value will always equate to the current First-Class Mail rate. Customers can easily obtain these stamps and other philatelic items either through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by contacting USPS at 844-737-7826, or visiting local Post Office branches.

In addition to enhancing holiday greetings and festivities, the launch of the Year of the Snake stamp serves as a reminder of the universal themes of renewal celebrated across cultures. As everyone sends letter and packages adorned with this vibrant stamp, it carries the hopes of prosperity and good fortune, embodying the essence of the Lunar New Year tradition.

This unveiling not only marks another year of USPS embracing cultural diversity but also enhances the accessibility of its services, making it easier for all to participate in the spirit of the Lunar New Year celebrations across America.