Fiji launches monkey-themed stamps to mark Chinese New Year

A woman showcases monkey-themed stamps at the Suva-based China Cultural Center in Fiji, May 4, 2016. In association with the Chinese embassy in Fiji and the China Cultural Center in Fiji, Post Fiji Limited launched its monkey-themed stamps and first day cover on May 4. [Photo provided to Chinaculture.org]

In association with the Chinese embassy in Fiji and the China Cultural Center in Fiji, Post Fiji Limited launched its monkey-themed stamps and first day cover on May 4, marking the Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Chinese New Year.

Designed by Chinese sculptor Xu Hongfei, the set of 2016 the Year of the Monkey stamps comprises four stamps, with denominations ranging from 38 Fiji cents (18 U.S. cents) to 10 Fiji dollars (4.8 U.S. dollars).

In the four stamps, there are respectively four different species of Chinese monkeys, together with Fijian plants, which represent the natural and ecological beauty of the Pacific island nation.

"The designing of the stamps integrates the cultural elements of both China and Fiji. It embodies both Chinese art style and distinctive Fijian characteristics, which demonstrates the ever-increasing cultural connection and people-to-people exchanges between our two countries," Chinese Ambassador Zhang Ping said. "It symbolizes the deep friendship that exists between our two peoples."