About this stamp
A Tradition of Warmth, Culture and Celebration
Introduction
The exchange of greetings among friends and communities is a timeless expression of goodwill and affection. Across cultures and continents, festivals bring people together, strengthening social bonds and offering moments of joy, reflection and shared celebration. Greetings—whether spoken, written or symbolic—form a vital part of these festivities, reinforcing unity and cultural identity.
Origins of Greeting Traditions
The practice of sending good wishes, particularly at the beginning of a new year, dates back to ancient civilizations.
- Chinese and Egyptian traditions included exchanging messages to ward off evil spirits.
- The Romans formalized the custom by sending written messages or gifts on December 25th, hoping they would arrive before January 1st.
- Early mumming traditions also influenced the culture of exchanging greetings, where people went door to door in costume, offering well-wishes and performing small plays or songs.
Though these practices evolved across regions, the essence remained constant—sharing joy, blessings and warmth with loved ones.
Christmas: Celebration and Symbolism
Christmas, celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm, symbolizes hope, generosity and human compassion. While historical evidence of Jesus Christ’s birth on 25th December is lacking, the date became significant as it aligned with the Winter Solstice, bringing cheer to people in cold and dark regions of the world.
The Legend of Santa Claus
The beloved figure of Santa Claus traces its origin to St. Nicholas, born in the 3rd century in Patara.
Known for his deep compassion and generosity, St. Nicholas used his inheritance to help the poor, sick and distressed. One of the most cherished legends tells of his secret act of kindness—throwing bags of gold into the home of a poor man who could not afford dowries for his daughters. This story laid the foundation for Santa’s association with gift-giving.
St. Nicholas, later the Bishop of Myra, became known for:
- His love for children
- His care for sailors and travellers
- His acts of benevolence
Over centuries, elements of older pagan traditions blended with his legend, further enriching the cultural image of Santa.
Santa Claus in Modern Imagination
The modern portrayal of Santa Claus emerged in the 19th century:
- In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” shaped the now-familiar Santa—jolly, white-bearded, flying in a sleigh pulled by reindeer and delivering gifts.
- In 1881, Thomas Nast’s Harper’s Weekly illustration further cemented the red-suited, cheerful Santa that children adore today.
This imagery, cherished across the world, continues to evoke wonder and excitement in the hearts of children every Christmas Eve.
Evolution of Greetings Through Time
With the rise of technology, greetings now travel across social media, messaging platforms and electronic cards. Yet the charm of a handwritten greeting carried by post remains unmatched. A physical card—complete with thoughtfully chosen stamps—reflects care, effort and personal touch, bringing a joy that digital messages cannot replicate.
Role of the Department of Posts
Since 1990, the Department of Posts has been issuing Season’s Greetings stamps, embracing its role as a carrier of goodwill and festive cheer. These stamps not only convey messages but also enhance them, adding beauty, warmth and cultural resonance.
Season’s Greetings Stamps (Current Edition)
The colourful stamps released this year celebrate the legend of Santa Claus, capturing the magic, happiness and pleasantness associated with the festival. Designed to evoke festive spirit, they highlight the timeless tradition of spreading joy through greetings.
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