New Year elements in China's traditional culture

Recently, China issued a set of zodiac stamps to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year of the Dog. The theme for this round of zodiac stamps is "happy family", and the new stamps depict Chinese domestic dogs. The year 2018 marks Chinese "Wu Xu Year", the Year of the Dog. In fact, not only zodiac stamps, elements of Chinese New Year can be found in many forms of Chinese folk arts.

Zodiac stamps for Year of the Dog

China Post says the first stamp depicts a male dog with its chin up and its eyes straight ahead. Its two ears point upward, while its hind legs are forcefully thrust against the ground, ready to pounce on any intruders.

The second stamp shows a brown bitch lovingly gazing at its puppy. The black puppy holds its head up high and tries to stand straight. The mother and the puppy stand side by side, demonstrating maternal love.

The two stamps are connected, signifying a peaceful, harmonious family, and a prosperous, flourishing nation.