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.

The Olympics and Philippine Pride

This week, Sunday Stamps celebrates the Olympic spirit with two stamps that capture the essence of these global sporting spectacles.

First up, we have a piece of Estonian history. Issued in 2004 to coincide with the Athens Olympics, this stamp marks a significant milestone for Estonian athletes. After decades under Soviet rule, the Estonian Olympic Committee resumed its activity in 1989 and in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, they were finally competing under their own flag. Can you imagine the pride and excitement of these athletes finally representing their country on the world stage? It’s a powerful symbol of independence and national pride. Since then, Estonia has certainly made its mark on the Olympic stage, with an impressive medal tally to boast – 44 medals in both the Summer and Winter Games – 14 gold, 11 silver, and 19 bronze medals. (Source)

My second stamp is Italy’s contribution to the Olympic philatelic series is a beautifully designed €0.85 stamp from 2008, part of the ‘Lo Sport Italiano’ collection.

The design merges Ancient Greek motifs with Asian (Chinese) elements. It features a disc framed in a harmonious blend of Greek and Asian borders, with the figures of athletes reminiscent of Ancient Greek pottery art on one side, and Asian athletes on the other, symbolizing the global unity of the Olympic Games. The stamp is completed with the iconic Olympic rings and the words “GIOCHI OLIMPICI-PECHINO 2008” (“BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES”), along with the country’s name and denomination.

Italy, a country with a rich sporting heritage, has hosted the Olympics three times and has an incredible medal count. Italy boasts an impressive tally of 772 medals from both Summer and Winter Games, reflecting its rich Olympic legacy. Having hosted the Games three times, with plans for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Italy’s passion for sports is evident.

The Philippines, in other news, just made history at the Paris Olympics! Our athletes have brought home TWO GOLD MEDALS and TWO BRONZE MEDALS! It’s an absolute dream come true. This is a monumental leap for Philippine sports, especially in men’s gymnastics. Who would have thought we’d be celebrating gold medalists in this category? And our female boxers? They are fearless and their determination and grit knows no bounds! Mabuhay kayo – Carlos Yulo, Aira Villegas, at Nesthy Petecio!

These victories are a testament to the incredible talent and unwavering determination of the Filipino athletes. They’ve overcome countless challenges, including limited resources, to stand on the world’s biggest stage. I can’t wait to see these heroes celebrated with their own stamps. They deserve all the recognition and honour we can give them.