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First Day Cover Text for Chinese Idioms and Their Stories
Chinese idioms are set phrases which have evolved and been used over thousands of years, succinct and expressive, vivid and figurative. Often originated from fables, literature and historical facts or personages, their stories are therefore full of references and wisdom. Idioms are still widely used among Chinese both in verbal and written form, reflecting their vitality and charm which never fade over time.
These new stamp releases are themed on Chinese idioms.
$1.40 - Respect makes successful marriage
The story goes that during the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC), Jiu Ji of the State of Jin was travelling on a mission when he saw a woman bringing lunch to the field for her husband. He was very much impressed by this courteous couple who respected each other like guests. The idiom now denotes the respect between husband and wife.
The stamp portrays a couple greeting each other with a cup in their hands, showing mutual respect and politeness.
$2.40 - Reading is always rewarding
This idiom originates from Tao Qian, a great poet in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317 - 420 AD). Tao was a fervent reader who happily skipped his meal whenever he was carried away by the joy of reading. It is often used to illustrate the benefits of reading.
The stamp depicts Emperor Taizong of the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279 AD) reading by lamplight. He is reputed to have insisted upon reading every day despite heavy administrative duties.
$3 - Prepare for success
The story goes that in the middle of the night, Zu Ti, who later became a formidable general of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317 - 420 AD), was awakened by a cock’s crow. He then woke up his close friend Liu Kun, who shared with him the aspiration to protect the country, and both of them rose for sword practice. The moral of this story is to seize the day and get prepared.
The young man in the stamp is practising sword training at dawn as Zu Ti did.
$5 - All in the same boat
Wu and Yue were firm enemies during the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC). A storm broke when people of the two states were travelling in the same boat. In distress, they suspended hostility and helped each other to sail through. The moral of this story is to help and support each other in hard times.
The stamp depicts two men standing in a boat on rough water. Their hands are clasped together to suggest concerted effort in times of trouble.
The First Day Cover features a pale background that contrasts with the colourful stamps. Children holding characters for idioms in Chinese (cheng yu gu shi) appear again in the stamp sheetlet, gathered around an old man listening to stories, alluding to the long history of idioms that goes on from generation to generation.