Chinese New Year – Year of the Rabbit 2023 Souvenir Sheet

The Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) releases stamps and official first day covers for “Chinese New Year – Year of the Rabbit 2023” on January 20, 2023 in anticipation of the Chinese Lunar New Year which begins on January 22, 2023 and ends on February 9, 2024.

The Chinese Zodiac has twelve representative animals, namely: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. It is believed that if one is born under the Year of the Rabbit, it is said that one is friendly, gentle, and kind to others. Like the animal, they can be cautious, conservative, and reserved. Many countries in Asia commemorate the Lunar New Year, including the Philippines. During this auspicious event, Filipinos – especially the Filipino-Chinese community – practice age-old traditions and joyous festivities associated with the holiday.

Famous personalities born in the Year of the Rabbit include King Bhumibol Adulyadej or Rama IX of Thailand, designer Hubert Taffin De Givenchy, singer and actress Eartha Kitt, and Steve Ditko, who with Stan Lee co-created the popular comics “The Amazing Spiderman” and “Doctor Strange”. In the Philippines, Year of the Rabbit personalities include former Executive Secretary Ceferino “Joker” Paz Arroyo Jr., former Senate President Blas F. Ople, Fernando Poe, Jr., actor and director, chess living legend and world-renowned Filipino Eugenio “Eugene” Torre, singer Pilita Corrales, and actor, songwriter, recording artist, and comedian Beethoven Del Valle Bunagan, also known as “Michael V”, among others.

The stamps feature this gentle image of the rabbit juxtaposed with the element of water, splashed as if the rabbit is playing and hopping happily in it. This tradition of releasing Chinese New Year Philippine postage stamps started in 1992 and has since then honored Filipino-Chinese culture as part and parcel of Philippine culture and identity.