Cheers to Czech Food and Drink

Behold the Czech Republic’s EUROPA stamp a philatelic feast for the eyes, and my entry for this week’s Sunday Stamps with the theme food. Issued by the Czech Post in 2005, this illustrated stamp celebrates the nation’s culinary delights, where meat reigns supreme.

Czech Republic’s EUROPA stamp classified under the Food and Cooking category. Issued by the Czech Post in 2005.

Poultry, pork, beef—you name it, Czech cuisine offers a variety of hearty options, often accompanied by their beloved knedliky. These dumplings are a carb-lover’s dream are a comforting staple, made from wheat or potato flour, lovingly boiled into a roll, then sliced and served piping hot. I stumbled upon a photo online that’s a virtual twin of the stamp’s illustration, minus the beer.

I found the this photo online, almost exact copy of the stamp, save for the missing beer. Source.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or should we say, the beer in the mug? The stamp proudly features a frothy mug of beer, which is practically a national treasure in the Czech Republic.

Beer is not just a drink in the Czech Republic; it’s a way of life. The country boasts the highest beer consumption per capita on the planet. With legendary brands like Budweiser Budvar and Pilsner Urquell, the Czechs have made their mark on the global beer map. But wait, there’s more! The Czech Republic is home to over 470 different types of beer. That’s right, folks, 470. And with that 470 different types of beer, the Czech Republic offers more than one brew for every day of the year. Everyday is beer festival, hurrah!

I love this stamp. As a foodie and a stamp enthusiast – it’s a small rectangle of joy celebrating the big flavours of this vibrant culture. Collect, lick, and post… or better yet, I’m going find myself a Czech beer and pour myself a cold one and toast to the love of food and stamps! Na zdraví!

The Colourful Thanksgiving Parade on Stamps

Finally back in the city! And in this week’s Sunday Stamps, the theme is colours and I have a set of stamps celebrating a beloved American tradition – the Thanksgiving Day Parade!

In 2009, the USPS issued four commemorative stamps featuring iconic scenes from this joyous holiday event. Unfortunately, my collection only holds two of these four se-tenant stamps.

Even with just these two stamps, we get a vibrant glimpse into the parade’s atmosphere. One stamp showcases a lively marching band, while the other features beloved characters and the larger-than-life turkey balloon that have become synonymous with the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Take a look at the full strip:

While I haven’t personally witnessed this extravagant event, I’m captivated by parades and the artistry of floats. These stamps perfectly capture the essence of the Thanksgiving Day Parade, just like the ones I see on TV. They offer a colourful window into American culture and the spirit of this special holiday.

The vibrant colours on the stamps are a result of designer Paul Rogers’ unique approach. He drew inspiration from mid-century advertising and poster art, then used digital techniques to bring them to life on these miniature masterpieces. (Source)

Sunday Stamps: Flower Power

I’m late for this week’s Sunday Stamps as I am traveling (work) and forgot to autopost.

This week’s theme, “patterns,” is beautifully exemplified by the Finnish Post Office’s 2011 series of glow-in-the-dark stamps featuring the (illustrated) dahlia flowers. Known for their annual tradition of crafting unique stamp designs, the Finnish Post Office’s choice of the dahlia flower is a nod to the intricate patterns found in nature and inviting us to take a closer look at the everyday wonders around us.

The dahlia, native to North America and Mexico, was introduced to Europe in the 16th century and has since captivated flower enthusiasts with its geometric beauty. The stamp design showcases two radiant dahlias set against a dark background.

Dahlias symmetrical patterns are a testament to the mathematical precision in nature’s creations. The petals of a dahlia follow a fascinating sequence that aligns with Fibonacci numbers, a series where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones. This sequence creates a spiral pattern that can be seen in the arrangement of seeds, fruits, and flowers, including dahlias. This natural occurrence of patterns is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves as an inspiration for artists and designers in various fields.