Scott No: -
Serial number: 2010-8
Values in set: 3
Denomination: 360 fen
Date of issue: April 5, 2010
Designer: Liu Hao, Kang Li
Size of stamps: 30 * 40 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet Size:
150 * 240 mm for Sheet I;
150 * 146 mm for Sheet II
Sheet composition:
20 for Sheet I;
9 (3 sets) for Sheet II
Printing process: Offset
Printer: Liaoning Postage Stamp Printing House

On April 5, 2010, the special stamp "Qingming Festival" (catalog number 2010-8) was officially issued. The set consists of three stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 3.60 yuan. The stamps were designed by Liu She and Kang Kai, and printed by Shenyang Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory in Liaoning Province using offset printing.

Qingming Festival is an important traditional Chinese holiday and also one of the 24 solar terms. In 2006, it was inscribed on the first list of China's national intangible cultural heritage. The festival integrates the customs of ancestor worship from the Cold Food Festival and spring outings from the Shangsi Festival, encompassing both remembrance and a connection with nature. The stamps feature three core Qingming folk activities: ancestor worship, spring outings, and planting willows, presenting the unique cultural character of Qingming as a time for "remembering the past and welcoming new life." This stamp set is the fifth issue in China Post's traditional festival series, preserving traditional Chinese seasonal culture.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Ancestor Worship

Image: A scene of ancient people paying respects at a tomb, with ancient architecture, green mountains, and trees creating a solemn atmosphere, as people in traditional attire offer incense and perform rituals.
History: Tomb sweeping and ancestor worship are the core customs of Qingming, passing on the culture of filial piety and expressing remembrance of ancestors, serving as an important emotional bond for the Chinese people.
Significance: The most direct expression of the cultural connotation of "remembering the past" during Qingming.

Spring Outings

Image: Children playing and flying kites in the countryside, with blue skies, white clouds, and green grass, full of spring vitality.
History: During Qingming, all things come to life. Ancient people would go out to the countryside for spring outings and kite flying, relaxing and enjoying the spring scenery, reflecting a lifestyle of harmony with nature.
Significance: A classic depiction of Qingming's joyful spring customs.

Planting Willows

Image: Women and children planting willow trees in the countryside, with willows and rocks complementing each other.
History: Folk customs of planting and wearing willows during Qingming have been passed down since ancient times. Ancient people believed willow branches could ward off evil and bring blessings, and there is a saying: "The best time for planting trees is around Qingming."
Significance: An ancient custom that combines blessing and environmental awareness.

Artistic and Design Features:

Format: Uniform vertical stamp format, with coordinated and unified compositions across the three stamps.
Artistic Style: Gongbi (meticulous brushwork) with rich colors, using a decorative style that is bright and elegant, with the charm of folk art.
Narrative Logic: From ancestor worship, to spring outings, to planting willows for blessings, the stamps present the diverse folk customs of Qingming.
Series Continuity: Complements the traditional festival series that includes Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Double Ninth Festival.

This stamp set is an important component of the traditional festival series, covering seasonal customs, intangible cultural heritage, and traditional culture. Available in multiple formats, it is an essential item for thematic collections on traditional customs and Chinese festival culture.