Background

For the convenience of farming production with clear seasonal changes, China traditionally applied the lunar calendar based on the shape of the moon. The order of years was composed of the ten Heavenly Stems and the Twelve Earthly Branches. The combination of Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding etc. in the ten Heavenly Stems and Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao etc in the Twelve Earthly Branches totals 60 kinds, which are called "60 Jia Zi" meaning a cycle of 60 years. Twelve animals match with the twelve Earthly Branches with each representing one year. Gui-You Year is the year of the cock. Therefore, cock is the symbolic animal for people born in this year.

In this set of stamps, the first one with white background and red cock implies our country will be more prosperous in the coming year. The second one, a Chinese character of "cock" with the drawing of peony, lotus, chrysanthemum and plum blossom around, symbolizes good luck for four seasons.

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