News
4th Stamp Issue
13 November 2023
Liechtenstein
Chairmanship of the Committee of MINISTERS OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE
Liechtenstein has been a member of the Council of Europe since 1978. Upon joining, the Principality, like the other 45 member states, committed itself to taking over the chairmanship of the organisation's Committee of Ministers on a rotating basis for six months at a time. This will be the case from mid-November 2023 to mid-May 2024.
During this period, the annual meeting of the foreign ministers of the member states will also take place under Liechtenstein's leadership. The special stamp "Plenum" (face value: CHF 1.80) issued on this occasion shows a symbolic depiction of the hall of the Committee of Ministers, with the other members gathered around the temporary chairman.
Viewed as a unit, the image forms an eye with Liechtenstein as the pupil - vigilant and looking into the future. The Council of Europe was founded in 1949 and has its headquarters in the Palace of Europe in Strasbourg, France.
It is a forum for debate on general European issues. Its statute provides for cooperation between member states to promote economic and social progress. The organisation is not institutionally linked to the European Union (EU).
Cultural Heritage
Umbrella Reel
As early as the mid-1950s, private collectors in Liechtenstein's southernmost municipality began collecting cultural and historical artefacts. In 1967, the official starting signal was given in Balzers to build up a collection of cultural artefacts. These items include a wooden "Umbrella Reel" (face value: CHF 1.10).
This tool, similar in construction to an umbrella, was used then as it is today to effortlessly unwind strands of wool or yarn. For this purpose, the device is usually screwed to the table. The umbrella reel belongs to the family of yarn winches.
These were introduced from the Orient in the 13th century along with looms, winding and spinning wheels and other weaving accessories. Primarily used in the home for embroidery and spinning, the device is intended to prevent tangling and knotting of the linear strands of wool by using it to wind them into convenient balls.
The Balzers cultural artifacts collection now comprises almost 12,000 items with the oldest items dating back to the 18th century. Cultural artefacts are collected that have a direct connection to the community by having been used or produced there.
Christmas
Tradition
Our popular Christmas stamps will once again have a classic appearance in 2023. The Christmas baubles depicted on them with traditional motifs are framed by golden twinkling stars.
By having four different postage values, we are ensuring that private and business Christmas greetings from Liechtenstein find their way to the recipients' home country:
Each of the special stamps "Christmas Presents" (face value: CHF 0.90), "Siblings" (face value: CHF 1.10), "First Christmas" (face value: CHF 1.80) and "Christmas Bells" (face value: CHF 2.30) are available on sheets of 20 in a practical self-adhesive form. The four traditional motifs show people of different ages in a festive atmosphere next to decorated Christmas trees.
Then as now, the children are excited about opening their presents and are happy about receiving new toys. Small children marvel wide-eyed at the decorated and brightly lit tree. The grown-ups and the little ones can hardly wait to hear the little bell ring that allows them to finally enter the room. The magic of Christmas knows no age and touches people around the globe.
Chinese Signs of the Zodiac
Year of the Dragon 2024
For the "Year of the Dragon 2024" (face value: CHF 9.20), Chinese artist Leng Bingchuan has designed a special stamp that we are issuing as a combined stamp sheet with four stamps at a nominal value of CHF 2.30 each. Gold foil stamping underlines the artist's intention to portray the dragon as a beautiful hybrid creature that is more abstract and pleasant in spirit than it has often been depicted in the past.
Chinese stone carvings around 1,500 years ago already showed the dragon in this way – elegant and full of vitality.
Leng Bingchuan placed great emphasis on this aspect in his design and deliberately did not depict his dragon as a brave and strong tyrant, but gave it an emotional and energetic aura. The artistic form of freehand brushwork used for this purpose is characterised by a direct philosophical expression, which is achieved through minimal colour and modelling.
The dragon is the most popular sign of the Chinese zodiac and was the symbol of the emperor. The mythical creature stands for a long life, luck, prosperity and growth. It symbolises power, strength and energy.
