The Year of the Tiger, a 2010 souvenir sheet of 1 stamp from Canada.

 

Canada Post is issuing this souvenir sheet to celebrate what is widely credited as the oldest surviving calendar system in the world. In 2010, we honor the Year of the Tiger: a commemorative souvenir sheet that’s as bold and fierce as its namesake animal suggests. This issue is the second release in a new 12-year Lunar New Year series.

The fierce tiger featured in the background of this souvenir sheet illustrates the status of the tiger in Chinese lore. The long, scroll-like shape of the souvenir sheet is also rooted in Chinese tradition, as decorative scrolls are believed to have originated in China.

With its insightful blend of time-honored customs and modern flair, this issue is a fitting tribute to an ancient tradition that is well-known and celebrated around the world today—not to mention an excellent kick-off to a new 12-year stamp cycle. A symbol of wealth and good fortune to the Chinese, the color gold speaks to lunar hopes of good luck and prosperity. Clear foil and multi-level embossing techniques were applied to draw attention to the seal.