China Post on Sunday issued a set of two special stamps to celebrate the upcoming Chinese zodiac Year of the Snake.
This set of stamps, drawing inspiration from murals in the Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, and traditional folk customs, combines the image of snake with auspicious meanings. It not only embodies the unique charm of zodiac culture, but also demonstrates people's wisdom.
"The most critical challenge is how to highlight the key elements while avoiding the more intimidating aspects. It's a very difficult task. Our goal is to create a comprehensive design that integrates Chinese characters, the Chinese zodiac, and Dunhuang murals," said Pan Hu, one of the designers who is now a doctoral candidate at the Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University.
"The snake is adorned with images of auspicious clouds and Ruyi, symbolizing endless good fortune and best wishes. Additionally, its gold and red colors represent the joy of our Spring Festival celebrations," said Zhang Wang, one of the designers and director of the Department of Oriental Art of Nankai University, specializing in traditional Chinese painting.
Also on Sunday, China Post, Hongkong Post and Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau jointly issued the "Year of the Snake" souvenir sheet.
Since 1980, China has issued four rounds of zodiac stamps including those for the Year of the Snake in 1989, 2001 and 2013.
The Chinese Zodiac is represented by 12 animals to record the years and reflect people's attributes, including the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
China issues special stamps marking Year of the Snake
China issues special stamps marking Year of the Snake
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
