For this week’s Sunday Stamps, the theme is “fatherly”. And who better to embody this theme than Cambodia’s revered father figure, the late King Norodom Sihanouk? Widely known as Samdech Euv (King Father) after his son, King Norodom Sihamoni, ascended to the throne in 2004, Sihanouk’s legacy continues to shape Cambodia.
Issued in 2001 by the Cambodia Post, the 200-riel stamp commemorates King Sihanouk’s 80th birthday, and depicts the revered monarch – not in a royal pose, but in a surprisingly down-to-earth act: planting a tree.
King Sihanouk was a complex and controversial figure, but his role as a father figure to Cambodia is undeniable. He led the country to independence from France in 1953 and played a significant role through Cambodia’s turbulent modern history. The act of planting a tree on the stamp embodies a paternal quality, nurturing something new for the benefit of future generations. Here, King Sihanouk is not just a king, but a symbol of care and foresight – planting seeds that will grow long after his reign.
The Cambodian Post’s choice of imagery beautifully portrays the King Father’s dual role – his leadership, while celebrating a simple act that benefits the nation’s future. The stamp in itself becomes a window into Cambodia’s respect and appreciation for the King Father. You’ll find his likeness on some denominations of Cambodia’s official currency, the Khmer riel.
Great stamp! Great choice for this challenge.
Thanks! I’m glad you think so. It’s interesting to see how this week’s Sunday Stamps posts portray “fatherly” figures on stamps.
Interesting choice, and appropriate for the theme.
Thanks! I thought so too. Planting a tree is a great way to show fatherly care, nurturing something for the future generations.
Thanks for the little lesson on Cambodia’s history. I like how they chose to depict him, planting for the future.
You’re welcome! Cambodia does have a rich and fascinating past. Sunday Stamps are a great way to keep learning new things, aren’t they?
That is a nice stamp. I don’t know of him, but the stamps shows a down-to-earth attitude.
I agree, planting a tree shows a down-to-earth side.
I know his name, but not so much of his history. Now I feel enlightened.
Stamps can be surprisingly educational, and this is what I love about Sunday Stamps 🙂
This might be the first time I’ve seen a Cambodian stamp. Thanks for sharing it.
Happy to share! Cambodia does have some beautiful stamps featuring their culture and history. If you keep an eye out on my Sunday Stamps posts, I have a whole collection of Cambodian stamps waiting to be revealed!
Our present king is fond of and planted lots of trees too, as indeed was the late queen. I guess history is ever present when you are of royal descent which brings a different perspective of looking to the future.
That’s a very interesting point! It seems planting trees is a common theme among royalty.