'Year of the Dog' zodiac stamp issued to welcome 2018

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China Post issued special zodiac stamps for the Year of the Dog on Friday in preparation for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration. The set comes with two different designs – one features a male black-and-white dog standing proud, signaling protection and prosperity; the other is a female brown dog licking her black cub, representing family and parental love.

The dog postal stamps were created by Zhou Lingzhao, 99, a well-known artist who made a great contribution to Chinese contemporary art. He also helped design the second, third and fourth editions of China's currency‍ as well as the national emblem of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

A staff member of China Post presents zodiac stamps for the Year of the Dog in Handan, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 5, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Following the Chinese lunar calendar, which rotates in 12-year cycles based on the Chinese animal zodiac – the Year of Dog is approaching, marking the beginning of the Chinese New Year of 2018 on February 16. The other 11 zodiac signs in a circle include Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, and Pig.

Historically, the tradition of the selection and order of animals can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD) and based on each animal's character and living habits. Since each year is represented by an animal, people born in a given year are said to have personality traits associated with that year’s animal sign.

The 12-year cycle of Chinese animal zodiac /Photo from CGTN America

People born under the sign of the Year of the Dog are believed to possess some of the best traits of human nature – smart, trustworthy, well-disciplined, with industrious nature that make them good leaders.

This year's stamp set of dogs is particularly rare with a smaller amount of issuance, since China Post overprinted Year of the Rooster stamps in 2017, leading to a drop in prices and stagnated sales, Xinhua reported citing Zhao Aiguo, deputy executive manager of sales for China Post.

A citizen stamps on a postcard with zodiac stamps for the Year of the Dog in Guiyang, capital of southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 5, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Only 7,700 sets are expected to be printed in 2018, becoming the fewest in history. Each set will cost 2.4 yuan (around 35 US cents) and will be available at post offices and selected locations across China.

In 1980, China Post issued the first set stamps featuring the Chinese zodiac. It was the monkey stamp, designed by 94-year-old Chinese painter Huang Yongyu. Since then, China has released stamps with one of the 12 zodiac animals before every Spring Festival.

Singapore Post’s Zodiac Dog stamp set /SingPost Photo

The animal-themed stamp collections are not only observed in China, but also in many other Asian countries, such as South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Year of the Dog Forever stamp is also expected to be issued nationwide in the United States on Jan 11, in an effort to promote the rich Chinese heritage and culture among the growing Asian communities in the country.