Issue date: 11 Nov, 2014
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CHRISTMAS
Since the first stamp devoted to Christmas (Navidad) was put in circulation in 1955, the series has been issued regularly, except for the first four years, and it has become one of the themes most often shared with other countries. Over the course of all these years, images have been reproduced of paintings by famous artists, altarpieces from churches and cathedrals, crèche figures, wall murals, sculptures and various decorative objects connected with Christmas.
The present issue is made up of two self-adhesive stamps that present different characteristics, one in a classic style and the other, modern.
The Class A stamp bears the image of a stained-glass window depicting a typical scene of the birth of Baby Jesus, with the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. It is accompanied by the message “Merry Christmas” written in the four official languages spoken in Spain. Cold foil was added to the stamp to accentuate the colours and give greater depth to the stained-glass image.
The Class B stamp is presented in mini-sheet format, made up of six equal stamps joined together to form a Christmas tree. The mini-sheet as a whole frames a Christmas card full of good wishes to “Light up Your Christmas.” This issue brings the novelty of thermal ink, a substance that gives the impression that the stars shine when you slide your fingers over them.
The Christian community celebrates Christmas Day or the Birth of Christ on 25th December. Some countries, such as Spain, Italy, the Philippines and Latin America have the tradition of setting up a Nativity crèche with the classic figures representing the Birth of Christ, along with angels, shepherds, the Three Wise Men and characters typical in each area. The tradition in other countries and areas, such as Germany, France and Northern Europe, dictates decorating a Christmas tree, normally of the pine family because they are evergreens and symbolise the concept of eternity.
At present, Christmas transcends the religious sphere and is one of the most wide-spread festivals in society.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.