News

First Day Cover text for International Day of Peace

As part of its efforts to promote peace and well-being for all of the world’s people, the United Nations General Assembly decided that, beginning in 2002, the International Day of Peace should be observed on 21 September each year.

Boys and girls, men and women, every one of us can bring harmony and contentment to the people around us by building peace in our own ways. Some will commemorate the International Day of Peace by ringing a peace bell, others might observe a moment of silence. To mark the day, Hongkong Post has issued a set of commemorative stamps to promote goodwill and spread the message of peace.

The set of five stamps draws on nature to illustrate an ideal world defined by Love, Peace, Hope, Caring and Harmony. Intelligent use of lettering in both Chinese characters and Roman letters further enhances the decorative effect. Bauhinia, the floral emblem of Hong Kong, denotes Love ($1.40) and Peace ($1.80) is represented by the origami crane folded from newspaper. Four-leaf clover brings good luck and therefore symbolises Hope ($2.40). Thriving foliage suggests Caring ($3) while the smiling Earth stands for Harmony ($5).

The First Day Cover depicts a smiling Earth with lollipop-head trees against an azure sky. The simple design visualises "a world of peace and justice enjoyed by all who share our beautiful planet".