Showing all posts tagged philately

In Expat Life, Geek Talk, Sreisaatv2

Sunday Stamps: The universe in black and white

Author sreisaatPosted on 7 Comments

This week, we’re diving into the “black and white” theme with a fascinating set from Finland’s contribution to the 2009 Europa stamp series: Astronomy. While the stamps may not be pure black and white in the strictest sense, they utilise different shades of grey.

The stamp I have features the majestic ringed planet Saturn dominating the scene, accompanied by a streaking comet to its left, and a lunar eclipse above. These celestial events are all rendered in a beautiful greyscale palette, creating mystery and depth.

This Europa stamp came in a postcard in 2010.


Here is the complete set, taken from Google image search.

The companion stamp in the set showcases the moon and the soft glow of the Milky Way on its right. Both stamps are set in a fantasy lake surrounded by these heavenly bodies. The beauty of these stamps lie in their ability to evoke awe-inspiring universe without relying on vibrant colours, and allows (and excites) collectors and enthusiasts to focus on the subject matter – that is the wonders of the universe and the intrigue of space exploration.

Check out Sunday Stamps for more black and white offerings this week.

In Geek Talk, Sreisaatv2

Sunday Stamps: Fatherly

Author sreisaatPosted on 14 Comments

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.

In Geek Talk, Sreisaatv2, Uncategorized

A Taste of Blueberry Season

Author sreisaatPosted on 7 Comments

I received this delightful postcard from Sipi in 2011, and I think it captures the essence of summers in Finland in a single image. It arrived early in July – just as the blueberry season was hitting its peak, according to Sipi.

The postcard is a charming illustration showcasing what makes Finnish blueberry picking special: the green woods, plump blueberries filling a traditional birch bark basket. It’s easy to imagine the nostalgia this might evoke for Finns living abroad.

Finland’s love affair with berries, especially with blueberries, runs deep. Sipi told me berry-picking is a national pastime for all ages, bordering on obsession for some! Their devotion is so strong that they’ve even featured blueberries on a postage stamp.

Posti Finland issued this stamp as a definitive with value equal to the first class postage. The design shows their beloved blueberries – on a cup and others till attached to the stems – and the traditional summer dish of blueberry pie.

Sipi had just enjoyed her first berries of the season when she sent the postcard, adding them to her morning muesli. She also reminisced about childhood days savouring them with milk and sugar – a simple pleasure we can all relate to. These personal touches make the postcard all the more heartwarming.

More postcards here on Thursday Photo Hunt.