This stamp was drawn for children of Tuvalu. It makes part of the project "Send Tuvalu to the World" (2010). In fact, I received this stamp long time ago, and I have already published it here (see also the postmark Earth Day related).
The theme of Sunday Stamps in Viridian's Postcard Blog is Earth Day and other April Celebrations. The Earth Day is not widely celebrated in my country, nor in Morocco. Except for some activities in schools is completely unnoticed.
So I want to post about Saint George, the saint patron of Catalonia and Aragon (among other many places). In Catalonia Saint George's Day (Diada de Sant Jordi) is also known as The Day of the Rose or The day of the Book. The main event is the exchange of gifts between beloved relatives, friends and colleagues. Historically, men gave women roses, and women gave men a book. In modern times, the mutual exchange of books is also customary. Believe me: 23rd of April Barcelona and other cities of Catalonia are worth visiting! (and Valencian Country, to a certain extent). Thousands of stands of roses and bookstalls are set up for the occasion. Most women carry a rose in hand, and people seems really happy.
There is any issue of Saint George's Day's stamps. So I'm showing you these:
This one features the flag and the map of Catalonia. Issued by Spanish postal Service (Correos) in January 2011. The A on the stamp means that it is a forever stamp (for domestic letters or postcards up to 20 g). There are forever stamps for Europe with a B.
And two roses for you. Happy Sant Jordi's Day!
 |
| From Spain |
 |
| From Finland |
St George is also the patron saint of England, but I'm not aware of any customs associated with the day. I like the idea of exchanging books as gifts. A lovely choice of stamps.
ReplyDeleteThat Tuvalu stamp looks like paradise!
ReplyDeleteLovely Earth Day stamp! People in the USA are also less aware of Earth Day now, than earlier. htank you for joining in this week.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of celebrating love and literacy on St George's Day is a brilliant strategy!
ReplyDeletei wasnt aware of these celebrations, it indeed seems like a great idea to visit catalonia during that time!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Rose stamps and great info about celebrations!
ReplyDeleteKeep smiling and Keep Shinning!
Thank you for your comments!
ReplyDeleteYes, I think exchanging books and roses is an excellent idea, and also visiting Catalonia tomorrow. Unluckily I'm going to be in Morocco, but I can still celebrate St. George's Day at home :)
I love the idea of stalls of roses and books, I'd think I was in heaven. Definitely the time to visit, Catalonia that is not heaven:-)
ReplyDeleteYou're right: it's like heaven! :)
Delete