Out of all the hundreds of 1st day covers in my considerable collection, Hongkong Post 1st day covers are quite unusual and unique. They are the only country that sometimes comes out with large envelopes, half the size of an A4 paper. The stamps are not big, only the envelope. I am so tempted to frame those up.
I have been collecting 1st day covers from Hongkong Post since 1999 or 2000 ever since my friend in Hong Kong helped me set up an account with Hongkong Post. It’s so easy to open accounts with any country’s philatelic services, all you have to do is deposit some money into the account and they’ll start sending you any 1st day covers so long as there’s credit in your account. I have gleaned a lot of info about Chinese culture and traditions from Hongkong Post stamps.
Here are some of my favourite stamps from Hongkong Post:-
Chinese Idioms & Their Stories
Chinese idioms are set phrases which have evolved and been used over thousands of years, originating from fables, literature and historical facts and personages. The 4 stamps featured on this 1st day cover have the following themes:-
$1.40 – Respect makes successful marriage
$2.40 – Reading is always rewarding (so true!)
$3 – Prepare for success
$5 – All in the same boat
Hong Kong Museums Collection
This set of stamps showcases treasures from the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of History, the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Dr. & Mrs. Hung Hin Shiu Museum of Chinese Medicine at Hong Kong Baptist University.
Western Zodiac Signs
Set on a bigger than normal envelope, this set of Western Zodiac Signs stamps is really cute!
Merry Christmas
For a majority Chinese country, Christmas is certainly celebrated on a big scale there and it’s only fitting that they come up with lovely Christmas stamps like this set. My favourite is the Gingerbread Man followed by the Snowman dressed in traditional Chinese attire, a blend of East and West.
Valentine Theme
I am no soppy romantic and flowers and chocolates do nothing for me but hearts on stamps make me happy.
The Chinese Idioms stamps are so cute!! I love how they illustrate the meaning of the idioms! You really have a great collection of stamps, all my stamps collection are just peanuts as compared to yours hehe~
By the way, can you read Chinese?
Very elementary Chinese ok like primary school Chinese can.
Oh I see!! Your english is so good that I always thought that you’re a pure English educated student~ 🙂
I am, I learned basic Chinese characters on my own.
Wow that’s really great!!!
Yeah, agree! The chinese idioms are very cute. I think the Hong Kong museum collection is another very rare ones. I hardly see many stamps on those museum collection.
these stamps are really one of a kind!