Turkey Medical Centre FDC

Turkey FDC
Name: 700th Anniversary of the Medical Centre of Amasya
Date of Issue: 13 March 2008

It is a unique building that remains from İlhanlı Period to nowadays. Is was built in the name of the Sultan Mehmet Olcaytu, Ruler of İlhanlı State and his wife Ilduz Hatun in 1308. Especially front side of the building is valuable by perspective of artistic values. On the shackle stone of gate there is an human relief that kneel down, it is a peculiar property only seen at Amasya Bimarhane building.

Comment: Because I haven't got the information brochure of this set. I don't know what these three groups of people are doing on this minisheet. Do you know that?

Malaysia Animals M/S FDC

Malaysia Minisheet FDC
Name: Nocturnal Animals
Date of Issue: 13 March 2008

Animals live in virtually every type of habitat available in the Malaysian rainforest and even exploit man-made habitats. One interesting feature in animal ecology and behaviour is that some animals travel and feed mainly by night (nocturnal) as opposed to animals that move about during the day (diurnal). Various birds, mammals and reptiles have evolved towards a nocturnal way of life for numerous reasons. Due to the reduced amount of light at night, strictly nocturnal animals generally have good night vision to allow them to seek out prey and to avoid predators.

Designs:
RM3: Slow loris (Nycticebus coucang)
Largely arboreal, this primate, which can weigh almost a kilogramme, is often found alone, although couples with dependent young are sometimes seen. It feeds on small animals, mostly insects, and on pulpy fruits. It lives in mature and secondary forests as well as in gardens and plantations.

RM2: Tarsier (Tarsius bancanus)
This small primate of less than two kilogrammes, is active from ground level to at least seven metres and generally leaps from tree to tree. It feeds mainly on large insects and is often solitary. Tarsier is known to make high pitch calls frequently and can be found in both mature and secondary forests.

Comment: This is a very special miniature sheet, You could see eight eyes in a dark room. Yes, this is a miniature sheet that could glow in the dark.

2008 Malaysia Nocturnal Animals FDC
2008 Malaysia Nocturnal Animals Minisheet FDC

Malaysia Animals FDC

Malaysia FDC
Name: Nocturnal Animals
Date of Issue: 13 March 2008

Animals live in virtually every type of habitat available in the Malaysian rainforest and even exploit man-made habitats. One interesting feature in animal ecology and behaviour is that some animals travel and feed mainly by night (nocturnal) as opposed to animals that move about during the day (diurnal). Various birds, mammals and reptiles have evolved towards a nocturnal way of life for numerous reasons. Due to the reduced amount of light at night, strictly nocturnal animals generally have good night vision to allow them to seek out prey and to avoid predators.

Designs:
30sen: Moonrat (Echinosorex gymnurus)
Generally solitary, this small mammal is strictly terrestrial and confined to the forest floor, often frequenting areas by the streams and is known to be active by day. It has a very strong body odour in the wind. Earthworms, beetles, spiders and snails are amongst the things it feeds on..

30sen: Malay badger (Mydaus javanensis)
The Malay badger is a terrestrial animal and is known for its very strong odour. It sleeps in underground burrows and feeds mainly by digging into the ground for food such as earthworms and insect larvae. Although found in mature forests, it is apparently more frequently seen in secondary forests and open ground such as gardens.

50sen: Golden cat (Catopuma temminckii)
Little is known on the ecology and life history of this medium sized cat. Its coat of golden colour is largely unmarked and adults can weigh as much as 12 kilogrammes. Although terrestrial, it can apparently climb trees, when necessary. Its prey includes mousedeer, bird, lizards and other small animals.

RM1: Flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus)
This is the largest bat in Malaysia and a full-grown adult can weigh more than a kilogramme. Large roosting colonies of this bat are often found in mangroves or nipah palm. This bat is known to fly long distances to feed on flowering or fruit trees and it is an important pollinator of many forest trees including durians.

Comment: My daughter likes the Owl on the illustration more than 4 animals on the stamps. lol

2008 Malaysia Nocturnal Animals FDC
2008 Malaysia Nocturnal Animals Minisheet FDC

Russia Kotin PCBCS

Russia PCBCS (Post Cards Bearing Commemorative Stamp)
Name: The 100th birth anniversary of Joseph Yakovlevich Kotin (1908-1979), a designer
Date of Issue: 07 March 2008

Joseph Yakovlevich Kotin (Russian language: Жозеф Яковлевич Котин)(March 10, 1908 - October 21, 1979) was a Russian chief designer of Soviet military and civil vehicles.

The heavy tanks KW-1, KW-85, IS-1, IS-2, IS-3, the heavy self-propelled gun carriages SU-152, ISU-152, ISU-122, which became light swimming tanks PT-76 and the tractor "Kirowez" under his guidance developed.

He designed many heavy tanks and was awarded with the State Premium in 1941, 1943, 1946, 1948. Member to the Order of Lenin 4 times, Order of the October Revolution, Red Banner, Suvorov (I and II), Work Red Banner (3 times), Patriotic War, Red Star (3 times). General-Engineer, Hero of the USSR (Sickle and Hammer).

Ukraine EUROPA FDC

Ukraine FDC
Name: EUROPA 2008 - Letter
Date of Issue: 12 March 2008

Designs:
2.47: Writing Letter
3.33: Typing Letter

Comment: I like this design very much, the designer used very good design to annotate "Letter". You could see traditional handwriting letter(left) and Modern E-letter(right). aha. Only one faulty stroke in this set - The woman on the right stamp who looks like a mediaeval woman. How about your opinion?

EUROPA Series FDCs:
2009 Astronomy:
Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Slovakia.

2008 Letter:
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Vatican.

Estonia Kristjan Palusalu FDC

Estonia FDCs
Name: Kristjan Palusalu 100
Date of Issue: 10 March 2008

Kristjan Palusalu was born on 10 March 1908 in Varemurru Village, Saulepi Parish, Pärnu County. At the Berlin Olympic Games of 1936 he won gold medals both in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling. This achievement makes him the only heavyweight wrestler to have succeeded in becoming the winner in both the styles of wrestling at the same Olympic games.

He became the champion of the Old World in Greco-Roman wrestling in 1937. In the period 1931-38 he won the Estonian title seven times in Greco-Roman and five times in freestyle wrestling. He competed as member of the Estonian national team 18 times. Kristjan Palusalu died on 17 July 1987 in Tallinn.

Kristjan Palusalu international wrestling competitions are held in Tallinn since 1988.

Comment: Eesti Post used 2 special cancellations on issue day, in Tallinn and Tartu. One of my FDC was sent from Tallinn, the other one was sent from Tartu Museum Post Office. But I have a doubt, because Kristjan Palusalu was born in in Varemurru Village, Saulepi Parish, Pärnu County. Why did Eesti Post not use a special cancellation in his hometown?

Indonesia Asian Exhibition FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: Taipei 2008 - 21st Asian International Stamp Exhibition
Date of Issue: 07 March 2008

Designs:
1/2: The Southern Cassowary
The Southern Cassowary, Casuarius casuarius, also known as Double-wattled Cassowary or Two-wattled Cassowary, is a large flightless black bird with hard and stiff plumage, a brown casque, blue face and neck, red nape and two red wattles hanging down its throat. The three-toed feet are thick and powerful, equipped with a lethal dagger-like claw on the inner toe. The plumage is sexually monomorphic, but the female is dominant and larger with a longer casque and brighter-colored bare parts. The immature bird has plain brown plumage. More...

2/2: Poison bulb
Poison bulb, Crinum asiaticum L. Native to Taiwan. Herbs with large bulbs. Leaves fleshy, Linear. Scaposes (flowering axis) ascending; inflorescence an umbel, terminal, the subtending bracts linear-oblong. Flowers numerous, white; perianthtube slender; anthers linear; styles purplish. Capsules subglobose.

Taiwan Flower ATM FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: Flower of Tung Oil Tree
Date of Issue: 07 March 2008

Vernicia fordii (Tung Tree; syn. Aleurites fordii Hemsl.) is a species of Vernicia in the spurge family, native to southern China, Burma, and northern Vietnam. Other vernacular names include Tung Oil Tree, Tung-oil Tree, Tungoil Tree, China Wood-Oil Tree, Kalo Nut Tree, 油桐 (lit. oil tung) being the formal name in Chinese.

It is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree growing to 20 m tall, with a spreading crown. The bark is smooth and thin, and bleeds latex if cut. The leaves are alternate, simple, 4.5–25 cm long and 3.5–22 cm broad, heart-shaped or with three shallow, maple-like lobes, green above and below, red conspicuous glands at the base of the leaf, and with a 5.5–26 cm long petiole. The flowers are 2.5–3.5 cm diameter, with five pale pink to purple petals with streaks of darker red or purple in the throat; it is monoecious with individual flowers either male or female, but produced together in the inflorescences. The flowers appear before or with the leaves in loose, terminal clusters. The fruit is a hard, woody pear-shaped drupe 4–6 cm long and 3–5 cm diameter, containing four or five large, oily seeds; it is green initially, becoming dull brown when ripe in autumn. More...

Comment: Many Taiwan collectors are crazy on printing ATM stamps in the Post Office. Because Taiwan stamp vending machines always print the aberrant ATM stamps, it's interesting.

China Self-Adhesive Sheetlet: 2008-6

China Sheetlet II (Self-Adhesive)
Name: The Games of the XXIX Olympiad - Torch Relay
Number: 2008-6
Issue date: 24 March 2008

On March 24, 2008 the flame of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad was lit in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The theme of the torch relay of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is "A Journey of Harmony" and the slogan is to "Light the Passion Share the Dream". The torch will be relayed across 19 cities in five continents and China's 31 provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government and two special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macao), and in particular, the Olympic Flame will arrive at the highest peak in the world Mt. Qomolangma, traveling about 137,000 kilometers in 130 days. The flame lighting and torch relay is the exciting prelude of the Olympic Games. As a dynamic link between the ancient and modern Olympic Games, it endlessly spreads the Olympic spirit and signs of friendship and peace from generation to generation.

2008 China Olympic Games Torch Relay Stamps & Sheetlets I
2008 China Olympic Games Torch Relay Minisheet
2008 China Olympic Games Torch Relay Sheetlet II (Self-Adhesive)

China Minisheet: 2008-6

China Minisheet
Name: The Games of the XXIX Olympiad - Torch Relay
Number: 2008-6
Issue date: 24 March 2008

Validated by IOC, the Olympic Flame will be lit in Olympia, Greece according to tradition on March 24, 2008. From March 24-29, the Torch Relay will travel across Greece, ending at the Panathinaiko Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. After the handover ceremony in the stadium, the Olympic Flame will arrive in Beijing on March 31, 2008. In Beijing, a ceremony will be held for the arrival of the flame into China and Beijing 2008 Olympic torch relay will commence.

The cities along the route are:

Beijing; Almaty; Istanbul; St.Petersburg; London; Paris; San Francisco; Buenos Aires; Dar Es Salaam; Muscat; Islamabad; New Delhi; Bangkok; Kuala Lumpur; Jakarta; Canberra; Nagano; Seoul; Pyongyang; Ho Chi Minh City; Hong Kong; Macao; More......

2008 China Olympic Games Torch Relay Stamps & Sheetlets I
2008 China Olympic Games Torch Relay Minisheet
2008 China Olympic Games Torch Relay Sheetlet II (Self-Adhesive)

Taiwan Pheasant FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: Taiwan Bird – Pheasant (Continued)
Date of Issue: 07 March 2008
Number: Sp.516

Syrmaticus mikado, commonly known as the Mikado Pheasant, is a species endemic to Taiwan. This uncommon resident is classified as a member of the order Galliformes and is a member of the Phasianidae family. Mikado Pheasants inhabit coniferous and mixed-coniferous-broadleaf forests in middle and high elevations. They live amid dense shrubs and bamboo thickets in the forest understory. Their diet consists of tender plant shoots, bulbs, berries, and insects.

The males are gorgeous in appearance. Their entire bodies are covered with black feathers with a royal-blue metallic shimmer; their tail feathers are marked with obvious white horizontal stripes; their scapular, breast and rump feathers possess a lustrous royal blue shimmer; their wings are black with obvious white stripes. The females are smaller in size. They are olive brown in color, with black horizontal stripes on their tail feathers. In both males and the females, the skin around the eyes is red.

The Mikado Pheasant is a shy, secretive, territorial and solitary bird. One exception is during the breeding season, when two or more of them can be seen together. A rare and endemic species of Taiwan, the Mikado Pheasant is classified as an endangered species. To urge our citizens to pay more attention to wildlife conservation, and in coordination with the theme ("the beauty of Taiwan ecology") of the TAIPEI 2008-21st Asian International Stamp Exhibition, this Post is issuing a stamp featuring a Mikado Pheasant and a "Taiwan Bird – Pheasant (Continued)" following with the issue of "Taiwan Bird – Pheasant" released in November 1993. To add to collecting interest, in addition to enlarge stamp size, for the first time ever this Post uses 3-color intaglio combined with 6-color deep-etch offset (including 2 special colors) printing process for the stamp. It is worth expecting and collecting.

Comment: To commemorate the TAIPEI 2008 - 21st Asian International Stamp Exhibition, Taiwan Post issued 3 sets on 7th March. This is the 2nd one.

Taiwan Stamp Exhibition FDCs

Taiwan FDCs
Name: TAIPEI 2008 - 21st Asian International Stamp Exhibition
Date of Issue: 07 March 2008
Number: Com.310

The TAIPEI 2008 - 21st Asian International Stamp Exhibition will be held on March 7 - 11, 2008 at the Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall 3. To commemorate this philatelic gala, this Post is issuing a set of four stamps and a souvenir sheet featuring four ancient bird paintings from the National Palace Museum collection: Plum Blossoms and Solitary Bird by Pien Wen-chin, Ming Dynasty; Apricot Blossoms and Peacocks by Lü Chi, Ming Dynasty; Wild Duck by a Brook by Chen Lin, Yüan Dynasty; and Bamboo and Shrike by Li An-chung, Sung Dynasty. With the aim of providing an innovative design that makes the issue highly collectible.

Designs:
NT$5.00: Plum Blossoms and Solitary Bird by Pien Wen-chin, Ming Dynasty
A great scholar and poet, he was also a master of the flower-and-bird genre of painting. This painting depicts a yellow-browed bunting perched on a plum branch, craning its neck as it looks around. The rendering of the bird’s fluffy plumage and the tree's gnarled branches accurately conveys not only the appearance but also the spirit of the subject matter.

NT$9.00: Apricot Blossoms and Peacocks by Lü Chi, Ming Dynasty
The white apricot blossoms and the red peonies complement each other, imparting a cheerful spring atmosphere. Lü employed the circled petal technique for the apricot blossoms, and the plumage of the peacocks shows meticulous rendering.

NT$13.00: Wild Duck by a Brook by Chen Lin, Yüan Dynasty
The painting depicts a wild duck under a hibiscus bush at the water's edge. The brushwork for the duck is finely executed without appearing overly meticulous. The brushstrokes for the water ripples and the hibiscus bush demonstrate great vitality and less attention to detail. The painting is a celebration of the joys of nature.

NT$15.00: Bamboo and Shrike by Li An-chung, Sung Dynasty
Li An-chung was a noted master of painting flowers, birds and animals. He was particularly noted for his goule (contour drawing) technique. The painting shows a shrike perched on a thorny branch. The bird's hooked beak clearly shows that it is a carnivore. The bamboo leaves under the bird were painted using the double outline technique, for which thin contour lines are drawn first and then filled in with color. The execution of the brushwork is refined and the choice of colors graceful.

Comment: These Ancient Bird Paintings are collected in Taiwan National Palace Museum(國立故宮博物院), and these FDCs were sent from National Palace Museum Post Office (故宮郵局) that located in National Palace Museum.Map Link...

Vatican ATM FDC

Vatican ATM Stamp FDC
Name: The Basilica of Saint Peter
Date of Issue: 06 March 2008

The Basilica of Saint Peter (Latin: Basilica Sancti Petri), officially known in Italian as the Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano and commonly known as St. Peter's Basilica, is located within the Vatican City in Rome. It occupies a "unique position" as one the holiest sites and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom". In Catholic tradition, it is the burial site of its namesake Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and, according to tradition, was the first Bishop of Antioch, and later first Bishop of Rome. While St. Peter's is the most famous of Rome's many churches, it is not the first in rank, an honour held by the Pope's cathedral church, the Basilica of St. John Lateran.

Although the New Testament does not mention Peter's presence or martyrdom in Rome, the apparent fact of his presence in Rome is supported by the witness of other 1st century Christians, such as St. Clement. Catholic tradition holds that his tomb is below the altar of the basilica. For this reason, many Popes, starting with the first ones, have been buried there. There has been a church on this site since the 4th century. Construction on the present basilica, over the old Constantinian basilica, began on April 18, 1506 and was completed in 1626.

St. Peter's is famous as a place of pilgrimage, for its liturgical functions and for its historical associations. It is associated with the papacy, with the Counter-reformation and with numerous artists, most significantly Michelangelo. As a work of architecture, it is regarded as the greatest building of its age. Contrary to popular misconception, Saint Peter's is not a cathedral, as it is not the seat of a bishop. It is properly termed a basilica. It is uncommon in that it is orientated with its chancel to the west and its facade to the east, which is the reverse of the arrangement at the majority of Christian churches.

ATM: the German abbreviation for "Automatenmarken", i.e. postage labels from electronical stamp vending machines - exist since 1969. They are - according to the Postal Law of the UPU (passed at the UPU Congress at Hamburg, 1984) - postage stamps that are printed by electronical stamp vending machines. After inserting the necessary amount of money (coins, banknotes etc.) the customer usually gets a stamp directly printed on (security) paper by the machine. In all respects (denomination of value and country, symbol of the postal authorities etc.) this stamp corresponds to the traditional postage stamp. Quoted from

Vatican EUROPA FDC

Vatican FDC
Name: EUROPA 2008 - Letter
Date of Issue: 06 March 2008

EUROPA stamps are special stamps issued by European postal administrations / enterprises under the aegis of PostEurop which have Europe as their central theme. EUROPA stamps should underline cooperation in the domain of posts, particularly as regards the promotion of philately. They also contribute to making the public aware of the common roots, culture and history of Europe and its common goals. As such, EUROPA stamp issues are among the most collected and most popular stamps in the world.

Since they were first issued in 1956, EUROPA stamps have been a tangible symbol of Europe's desire for closer integration and cooperation. In 1993, PostEurop became responsible for issuing EUROPA stamps holding the rights to the EUROPA logo.

The Association also selects the annual EUROPA theme for its yearly EUROPA stamps competition. This event was first launched in 2002 and it usually takes place during the Plenary Assembly.

Comment: Pope is writing a letter, it's normal. But the left stamp is very special. It's a real posted FDC on the stamp, two small stamps' designs have composed the denomination of this big stamp.

EUROPA Series FDCs:
2009 Astronomy:
Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Slovakia.

2008 Letter:
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Vatican.

Estonia Post Horn FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: Post Horn - 6.50 (Definitive Issue)
Date of Issue: 06 March 2008

The first definitive stamps after the restoration of Estonian independence, featuring the coat of arms of the country (three leopards), were issued on 1 October 1991. Such stamps were issued in a total of 29 denominations. 22 October 1999 saw the issue of definitive stamps in a slightly altered coat of arms design; they exist in 13 different face values. In 2004 Eesti Post launched the issue of definitive stamps featuring county coats of arms, all of them in the lowest domestic letter rate. Twelve such stamps have been brought out until the present. As Estonia has 15 counties, the last three stamps in the series are scheduled for issue in 2008. Definitive stamps with face values above the lowest domestic letter rate began to be issued from February 2005. Featuring the Estonian national flag flying from the tip of the Pikk Hermann Tower, they were issued with three different face values. Definitive stamps with face values lower than the ordinary domestic letter rate were issued since September 2004 in three different flower designs and two face values. All the definitive stamps issued since September 2004 are self-adhesive. A new series of post horn definitive stamps in the same design but in different colours according to the face value will be launched in 2008. The first such stamp will be on sale in all Estonia's post offices from January 10.

Estonia Post Horn - Definitive Series FDCs
Denominations: 0.50; 5.50; 6.50; 9.00

India Sambamurthy FDC

India FDC
Name: Maharshi Bulusu Sambamurthy
Date of Issue: 04 March 2008

The Freedom struggle in India is replete with stories of people who sacrificed everything in their lives for independence from foreign rule. Included in this roll of honour, are a number of luminaries from the legal profession and Maharshi Bulusu Sambamurthy was one of them.

Bulusu Sambamurthy was born on 4th of March, 1886, in Dulla Village, East Godavari District. His father, Subbavadhanulu, was a vedic scholar who followed the scriptural injunctions in his daily life. Philanthropy was an important part of this life. Sambamurthy was greatly influenced by his father and these philanthropic qualities played a major role in influencing the path his life would take. A graduate in Physics from Maharajah's College Vizayanagaram, Ssambamurthy started working there as a lecturer in physics. His independent spirit was ill suited to this work. He therefore resigned and decided to pursue a career in law. In 1911 he took a degree in law and enrolled in the bar at Kakinada. He earned a name for himself as a capable criminal lawyer, his practice grew. By 1920 he was an established and successful lawyer. But the Civil Disobedience movement was to change his life.

In 1920, Mahatma Gandhi gave a call for Civil Disobedience movement, which included boycott of institutions created by the British government. Many legal luminaries joined the movement. Inspired by a stirring speech given by Konda Vekatappayya, Sambamurthy also joined the movement. He would henceforth be a Gandhian and would never go back to the legal profession. In 1923, he was made a secretary of the organizing committee for the Kakinada session of the All India Congress Committee, which was presided over by Maulana Muhammed Ali. The devotion of Sambamurthy to the national cause was such that in spite of the demise of his only son a few days before he threw himself into making the session a success. His fortitude was praised by Smt. Sarojini Naidu. Sambamurthy is remembered as one of the earliest leaders to move the resolution for Purna Swaraj, which was finally made the aim of the Congress in the 1929 session at Lahore.

On 6th April 1930, during the Salt Satyagraha, Sambamurthy alongwith other leaders, marched to Chollangi Village near Kakinada Town and defied the Salt laws by making salt from the sea water there. On 18th April 1930 he was arrested and imprisoned in Vellore. In 1937, provincial elections were held under the Government of India Act of 1935. Sambamurthy was elected to the Provincial Assembly of Madras State. The Congress Party formed the government under C. Rajagopalachari. Sambamurthy was elected Speaker of the Provincial Legislative Assembly.

After independence too, Sambamurthy continued to work in the public sphere. He supported the demand for a separate state of Andhra Pradesh. Challa Seshagiri Rao, the editor of Andhra Patrika, recognizing his greatness called him "Maharshi", an apt title. But by 1953, when the state of Andhra Pradesh was formed, Sambamurthy's health had started deteriorating. He retired to Kakinada where he spent the evening of his life attending religion discourses. Maharshi Bulusu Sambamurthy passed away on 2nd February 1958 at Kakinada, shorn of the material wealth which he had sacrificed for the cause of India's freedom.

Poland Easter FDC

Poland FDC
Name: Easter
Date of Issue: 29 February 2008

Easter greetings

The most important in the Catholic Church holiday, the day of Jesus Christ's resurrection, in calendar coincides with the beginning of spring, and therefore its symbolism, although Christian, includes the traditional springtime elements as well. In order to enrich the holiday correspondence Poczta Polska since 1997 issues each year the special Easter stamps. The stamps feature usually religious scenes, folk customs and different symbols of the life reborn, such as painted eggs, chickens and the flowers and green plants. This year's your holiday greetings, mailed on the postcards or in letters, will be completed with colourful and optimistic stamps, being a perfect illustration of the universal joy, brought about by the celebration of Easter time.

The new stamps and FDC envelopes

Poczta Polska presents the Easter duo of stamps in the spring and holiday tones. On both of them there is shown a composition of painted eggs and paper cut-outs; similar cut-out in two colours, decorates the FDC envelope. For this issue the occasional postmark has been prepared with the motifs of chicken and baby rabbit, to be applied at the Warszawa 1 Post Office.

The contemporary Easter eggs

Such eggs as shown on the stamps do not necessarily copy the traditional patterns. Nowadays they are rather unique creations of the individual artists, depending on their own invention. Among them one may find all conceivable painting techniques, applied to the ostrich or geese eggs. There are also carved shells of blown eggs or the eggs "dressed" in laces or knitted wool.

The folk cut-outs

The paper decorations made by cutting out the holes precisely in the piece of paper, folded many times, what results in highly symmetrical patterns. This kind of holiday decorations is popular in Poland mainly in Masovia (region of Kurpie and vicinities of Łowicz and Opoczno) since the end of the 19th century, as earlier the paper was not available universally. The cut-outs, originally white and only later in different colours, used to be affixed to the peasants houses' walls before all the major holidays. Their motifs range from the abstract geometrical forms to the plant or animal representations. Their precision attains sometimes amazing level considering that they were made frequently with the sheep shearing scissors.

2008 Poland Easter FDC
2008 Slovakia Easter FDC

Singapore Festivals FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Festivals
Date of Issue: 29 February 2008

Singapore's rich and vibrant multi-cultural heritage is best reflected in the many colourful festivals celebrated throughout the year. In this set of stamps, eight of the many festivals are featured. The four main festivals depicted are namely Chinese New Year, Christmas, Deepavali and Hari Raya Aidilfitri. In addition, there are also Easter, Hari Raya Haji, Mid-Autumn Festival and Pongal celebrated during the year.

Designs:
Chinese New Year (1st Local & 55¢ Stamps)
It's hustle and bustle all over Singapore when the Chinese usher in the new lunar year. Auspicious colours like gold and red dominate – from the decorations to the 'hong bao' (red packets of money) given to unmarried children for good fortune. This is the time of family reunions, feasting and gathering. The festivities span 15 days, culminating in the Chingay street parade.

Christmas (1st Local & 55¢ Stamps)
Christians attend church services on this day to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. During this joyous season, caroling can be heard in the malls and festive decorations put up along the treets of Singapore.

Deepavali (1st Local & 55¢ Stamps)
Deepavali is both visually spectacular and spiritually significant. Its origins are shrouded in legends celebrating the victory of light over darkness, of good over evil. On this day, Hindus traditionally light rows of oil lamps to thank the gods and to usher in all that's good. Visits are made to family and friends; temples and streets are gaily decorated, along with feasting, festive bazaars and cultural performances.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri (1st Local & 55¢ Stamps)
One of two main festivals celebrated by the Muslims in Singapore, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a joyous occasion marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Signifying openness of mind and heart, it is customary on this day for Muslims to attend prayers in the mosque and to seek forgiveness from one another. Then, decked in their finest clothes, they'd visit family and friends for feasting and community bonding.

Easter (2nd Local Stamp)
Easter is the climax of the Holy Week when Christians around the world commemorate the passion, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On
Easter Sunday, Jesus triumphs over death and brings the gift of eternal life to all who believe in him. Like Good Friday, it's an occasion for remembrance and thanksgiving marked by special church services.

Hari Raya Haji (2nd Local Stamp)
Hari Raya Haji commemorates the pilgrimage of devotees to the holy city of Mecca. Animals like goat and sheep are usually sacrificed at dawn on this day, followed by prayers at the mosque and visits to each others' homes. Held on the 10th day of the twelfth and final month in the Islamic calendar, it also symbolises a quest for the reunion of mankind.

Mid-Autumn Festival (2nd Local Stamp)
In days of old, the Chinese held this festival to mark the bountiful harvest of mid-autumn. Today, it is also known as the Lantern Festival or Mooncake Festival because of the lanterns and 'moon cakes' that grace the occasion. Celebrated on the night of the full moon – the 15th day of the eighth lunar month – it weaves a special kind of enchantment like no other festival in Singapore.

Pongal (2nd Local Stamp)
Originating from South India, Pongal is a four-day thanksgiving celebration for good harvest. In Singapore, gaily-decorated cows, bulls with painted horns and dressed-up bullock carts take part in a cattle parade as cattle is considered sacred in Hindu tradition and bearers of good fortune. "Pongal" also means "boiling over", symbolising an overflowing of blessings.

Slovakia Easter FDC

Slovakia FDC
Name: Easter 2008
Issue date: 28 February 2008

Easter, or the Feast of Easter (also referred to as Pascha in Latin and Pessah in Hebrew), is the principal Christian feast which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ as observed by Christians globally. According to Christian tradition, Jesus was resurrected on the third day after crucifixion, some time between 27 and 33 AD.

In the Catholic liturgical calendar, the Easter cycle begins on the eve of Easter Sunday and lasts fifty days until Whitsunday, i.e. the Descent of the Holy Ghost. Interestingly enough, it is a 'movable' Christian feast, this means that the Church annually determines its exact date by means of the lunar rather than the solar calendar. Thus, in the Western tradition, Easter falls somewhere between 22 March and 25 April (inclusive). This being was based on the rule of the first Sunday after the first full moon which follows the spring equinox (21 March).

The first written record of the celebration of Christ's resurrection dates to the 2nd century AD. The meaning of this Christian feast is associated with the original Jewish feast of Pessah, which commemorates the Old Testament story of the passing of Israel from Egypt across the Red Sea under the guidance of Moses.
The principal symbol of Easter is the lamb. In Christian tradition, this symbolises Jesus Christ - the Lamb of God - who by His act of sacrifice "takes away the sins of the world". Other Easter symbols include the Cross (commemorating the crucifixion), fire (symbolising victory over darkness and death), and a candle (symbol of resurrection).

In the Slavic milieu, many archaic traditions associated with the feast of spring and fertility remain in the symbolism of Easter. Folk customs observed in Slovakia include feasting, painting eggs, and braiding wicker whips. The Easter Monday tradition of 'bathing' is prevalent in Eastern Slovakia, whilst in Central and Western Slovakia, 'whipping' is commonly practised (i.e. the symbolic and light-hearted whipping of girls and women with Easter whips). Current issue of stamp Easter 2008 presents in folk customs mentioned above.

2008 Poland Easter FDC
2008 Slovakia Easter FDC

Malaysia Bridges FDC

Malaysia FDC
Name: Bridges of Malaysia
Issue date: 28 February 2008

Bridges are an important element in establishing communication links between towns and cities that are separated by difficult terrains or rivers. The role of bridges has been important in the economic and social development of Malaysia enabling transportation links in moving people and goods.

The building of bridges over the centuries has evolved from simple wooden structures to sophisticated steel and concrete bridges. Among the most advanced engineered bridge during its time was the Victoria Bridge, Perak built in 1897.

This series showcase these innovative bridges up to the time of Malaysia's independence in 1957. this collection of historical structures that have played a major role in the growth of industries like tin mining, rubber and the overall economy of the nation are given due recognition.

Designs:
30sen: Merdeka Bridge, Kedah
The Merdeka Bridge, built in 1955, was officially launched in 1957, the year Malaya achieved independence. Spanning the Sungai Muda, the longest rive in Kedah, the bridge serves as a major link for transportation of goods and people. The river also marks the border between Penang and Kedah. Sungai Muda also provides water for consumption and irrigation of rice fields to Penang's province of Seberang Perai. This concrete truss girder bridge was designed and built by the Malaysian Public Works Department.

50sen: Victoria Bridge, Perak
The oldest railway bridge in Malaya is the Victoria Bridge in Karai, Perak. Built in 1897, it was the most advanced bridge in terms of its engineering in the Far East at that time. This bridge provided a communication link for the growth of the tin mining industry and the development of the mining towns in the Malayan Peninsular. With the opening of this bridge, the whole of the west coast from Perai to Johor Bahru was linked by rail.

50sen: Kota Bridge, Klang
The city of Klang is divided by the Klang River and was linked by the Brickfield Bridge built in 1907. It was destroyed in 1941 during World War II, resulting in great difficulty in transportation and communication, especially for goods transported from Klang Port to other cities. In 1958 a double decker bridge was constructed, the first such bridge in Malaya, with a pedestrian walkway at the lower half. This double decker truss girder bridge was named the Kota Bridge (Jambatan Kota).

RM1: Sungai Segamat Bridge, Johor
This bridge was build in 1933, to provide means of transportation to the Segamat district as an initiative by the government to develop the district for its agricultural activities and to boost its economy. The Sungai Segamat Bridge is a Steel Pratt Girder Bridge type with the length of 99.43 metres. It provides railway crossing over the Segamat River.

Belarus Ostrogski FDC

Belarus FDC
Name: Konstanty Wasyl Ostrogski
Date of Issue: 17 February 2008

Konstanty Wasyl Ostrogski (1526-13 February 1608) (Lithuanian: Konstantinas Vasilijus Ostrogiškis) was a Lithuanian prince, starost of Volodymyr-Volynskyi, Marshal of Volhynia and voivode of Kyiv Voivodship, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Married on January 1553 in Tarnów. Refused to help False Dmitriy I. Supporter of Jan Zamoyski.

In 1570s he waged war against another magnate, Stanisław Tarnowski, about disputed possession of estates in the area of Tarnów. Among Ostrogski's private army were units of the Tatars.

Comment: According to Wikipedia.com, Ostrogski is a Lithuanian, so I have no idea why Belarus issued his stamp. Do you know whether he and Belarus had any relationship.

Italy Red Cross FDC

Italy FDC
Name: 100th Anniversary of the Institution of the Italian Red Cross' Volunteer Nursing Corps
Date of Issue: 29 January 2008

Design:
Features a close up of some volunteer nurses of the Italian Red Cross who are marching with the Italian tricolour and on the background, some Red Cross nurses in a uniform dating from the beginning of the 1900s. The logo of the Italian Red Cross' Volunteer Nursing Corps is reproduced at the bottom left.

Comment: This FDC was issued on 29th Jan, but I receive it on 14th March. It was packed in a big POSTE ITALIANE plastic bag and enclosed a piece of paper. I don't know what's meaning of it and what happened.

Hong Kong Mainland Scenery FDC

Hong Kong FDC
Name: Mainland Scenery Series No. 7: Huanglong
Issue date: 28 February 2008

Hongkong Post's Stamp Sheetlets on Mainland Scenery are designed to introduce natural wonders and monuments in China, highlighting sites of historical and cultural significance. The seventh series on Mainland Scenery features Huanglong in Sichuan.

Situated within the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Songpan County in the northwest of Sichuan Province, the Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area is adjacent to the famous Jiuzhaigou National Scenic Reserve. Spanning some 1,830 square kilometres with an average altitude of over 3,000 metres, Huanglong is home to the endangered giant panda and golden snub-nosed monkey. It was designated a National Scenic Spot in 1982 and subsequently listed as a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992.

Huanglong is renowned for its colourful pools, snowy peaks, stunning gorges and dense forests. The most unique attraction is the kaleidoscope of travertine (limestone) formations. While the shoals, lakes, waterfalls and caves formed by limestone deposition offer a splendid array of scenic landscapes, over 3,000 terraced travertine pools lend an air of grandeur and unparalleled beauty.

The sheetlet depicts the mist-shrouded Bijia Mountain of Danyun Gorge in black and white to contrast with the seasonal colours in Huanglong — the Zhaga Waterfall in vernal green, the Mirror Ponds in winter snow and the Bailong Gorge after summer rain. The HK$10 stamp features the Welcome Ponds at Huanglonggou, showing gorgeous autumn dyes of red and gold around the aquamarine pools.

Mainland Scenery Series:
No. 7: Huanglong
No. 8: Mount Tianshan, Xinjiang

Japan Cartoon FDC

Japan FDC
Name: Animation Hero and Heroine Series VII "Manga Japanese Fairy Tales (Manga Nihon Mukashi Banashi)"
Issue date: 22 February 2008

This is a collection of short episodes based on Japanese Folk Tales, the series was originally broadcast on MBS in 1975 and on TBS from 1976 to 1994 and reached a peak audience rating of 33.6% in Tokyo. During that time over 2800 episodes (1400 half hour episodes with two short tales each) were created.

TBS had received many requests to re-air the series from adults who grew up watching the it present the old folk tales like Momotaro (Peach Boy) and The Monkey and the Crab.

2007 Japan Animation Hero and Heroine Series VI FDC
2008 Japan Animation Hero and Heroine Series VII FDC

Ukraine Paintings FDC

Ukraine FDC
Name: Paintings of Taras Shevchenko
Issue date: 23 February 2008

Designs:
1.00: Gypsy-Fortuneteller (1841)
1.52: Katerina (1842)
2.47: Self-Portrait (1840)

Taras Hryhorovych Shevchenko (Ukrainian: Тарáс Григóрович Шевчéнко) (March 9 [O.S. February 25] 1814 – March 10 [O.S. February 26] 1861) was a Ukrainian poet, artist and humanist. His literary heritage is regarded to be the foundation of modern Ukrainian literature and, to a large extent, the modern Ukrainian language. Shevchenko also wrote in Russian and left many masterpieces as a painter and an illustrator. More...

China Stamp: 2008-6

Stamps
Sheetlets I

China Stamps & Sheetlets I
Name: The Games of the XXIX Olympiad - Torch Relay
Number: 2008-6
Issue date: 24 March 2008
Value: 2 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20 Yuan: Lighting the Torch
3 Yuan: The Torch Relay

On March 24, 2008 the flame of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad was lit in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The theme of the torch relay of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is "A Journey of Harmony" and the slogan is to "Light the Passion Share the Dream". The torch will be relayed across 19 cities in five continents and China's 31 provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government and two special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macao), and in particular, the Olympic Flame will arrive at the highest peak in the world Mt. Qomolangma, traveling about 137,000 kilometers in 130 days. The flame lighting and torch relay is the exciting prelude of the Olympic Games. As a dynamic link between the ancient and modern Olympic Games, it endlessly spreads the Olympic spirit and signs of friendship and peace from generation to generation.

2008 China Olympic Games Torch Relay Stamps & Sheetlets I
2008 China Olympic Games Torch Relay Minisheet
2008 China Olympic Games Torch Relay Sheetlet II (Self-Adhesive)

Estonia Independent FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: The 90th Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia
Issue date: 23 February 2008

A Manifesto to All Peoples of Estonia of the Council of Elders (Rescue Committee) of the Estonian Diet was printed in Tallinn on 24 February 1918. It declared, „At this fateful hour the Estonian Diet as the lawful representative of the land and the people, coming to a unanimous decision with the Estonian political parties and organisations based on democracy and relying on the right of self-determination of peoples, have found it necessary to take the following resolute steps: Estonia within its historical and ethnographic boundaries is declared an independent democratic republic as of today.“ The text of the Manifesto of Independence had been read out to the public already the day before – by Hugo Kuusner from the balcony of the Endla Theatre in Pärnu on 23 February. By this act the Estonian people had availed itself of the right of national self-determination and the independent Republic of Estonia had been born. The stamp is published to mark the 90th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. The anniversary stamp features an oak - the symbol of power, magnificence and enduring strength.

Comment: Do you know why did my friend glue these definitive stamps on this FDC? OK, This is very Estonian FDC: Oak, National Emblem and Pikk Hermann Tower. All of them are symbols of Estonia.
Could you find out any problem on this FDC? I was very shocked when I received this FDC. You know, the Manifesto of Independence had been read out in Pärnu on 23 February, so I asked my friend to send a FDC from Pärnu on issue day by registered mail. We glued the enough registered mail postage and tell the post office clerk, they should use local postmark to cancel the definitive stamps. Finally, They sent it by regular mail and didn't use the local postmark. I'm so sad for their unprofessional work. But I appreciate their attitude and efficiency on their mistake.

Russia Astrakhan FDC

Russia FDC
Name: The 450th Anniversary of Astrakhan City
Issue date: 22 February 2008

Capital city, economic and cultural centre of Astrakhan oblast (region), southwestern Russian Federation; population (1996 est) 488,000. Astrakhan is sited in the Volga delta on the northeastern shore of the Caspian Sea. It is one of the Russian Federation's principal ports, which developed rapidly in the 1870s with the growth of the oil industry at Baku (now in Azerbaijan). There is a major fishing and canning industry here, together with shipbuilding and cotton manufacturing.

Astrakhan was founded by the Tatar Golden Horde in 1240–50, near the site of the earlier Khazar capital of Itil (7th–10th centuries). Timur the Lame destroyed the city in 1395. It became an important trading centre and the capital of Astrakhan Khanate; in 1558 it was conquered by Ivan (IV) the Terrible, who built a large citadel (kremlin) on the left bank of the Volga, around which a new city developed. Throughout the 16th–19th centuries it was a leading centre for trade with Central Asia, Persia, and India.

Astrakhan is home to Astrakhan State University, which was originally founded as a technical institute of fisheries in 1930. The Astrakhan region has been the main centre of Russia's fisheries for over 400 years, and was royal fish supplier even in Ivan the Terrible's times. The hill-top citadel, locally known as Kremlin, dates from the 16th century. The Dormition Cathedral dates from the 17th century. Later, St. Cyril's Chapel and the bishop's mansion with a church attached to it were added. There are many late 19th century Art Nouveau buildings, and a museum of history and architecture that has over 250,000 exhibits.

Comment: Normally, Russia usually uses their new issue special cancellation in 1-2 cities. For this issue, only Astrakhan city used special cancellation. so it's very diffcult to collect all special cancellation real posted FDC in Russia.
There are two cathedrals on the stamp and illustration of FDC, left one is Ascension Cathedral, right one is Trinity Cathedral.

Lithuania Restored State FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: 90th Anniversary of the Restored State of Lithuania
Issue date: 16 February 2008

The Council of Lithuania, which was elected during the Vilnius Conference held between the 18th and 22nd of September, 1917, in the meeting on the 16th of February, 1918, under the chairmanship of J. Basanavičius declared the restoration of an independent State of Lithuania, governed by democratic principles, with the capital in Vilnius.

During the meeting held in Vilnius, in Didžioji Street 30 (currently Pilies Street 26) the Act of Independence was signed by: J. Basanavičius, S. Banaitis, M. Biržiška, K. Bizauskas, P. Dovydaitis, S. Kairys, P. Klimas, D. Malinauskas, V. Mironas, S. Narutavičius, A. Petrulis, A. Smetona, J. Smilgevičius, J. Staugaitis, A. Stulginskis, J. Šaulys, K. Šaulys, J. Šernas, J. Vailokaitis, and J. Vileišis.

Comment: This is a excellent FDC.
1. The new issue stamp appears Basanavičius' figure, so my friend added an old Basanavičius stamp on the FDC for the additional postage.
2. This FDC was sent from Vilnius Central Post Office which is the nearest post office from Signatarų namai (Signatory's House) Map Link...

Ukraine Smoking Pipe FDC

Ukraine FDC
Name: Smoking Pipe (Definitive Issue)
Issue date: 15 February 2008

A pipe is a tool used for smoking. The designs of pipes vary considerably, but for the most part they are reusable and consist of a chamber, or bowl, in which the substance to be smoked is placed, a stem of some sort and a mouthpiece through which the smoke is sucked or inhaled. More...