In the Chinese zodiac, the ox is the second animal in the 12-year Lunar New Year cycle.  Interestingly, the animal is usually referred to as a cow, bull, or water buffalo rather than a true ox.  In 2021, the year of the Ox began on February 12.

The Chinese zodiac animal is always paired with an element each time it comes up in the cycle.  Those elements are known as the "five elements" or "phases."  They are fire, water, wood, metal, and earth.  In 2021, the phase was metal.  When put together with the zodiac animal, it was the year of the metal ox.  The Chinese also assign zodiac animals to hours of the day.  The hours of the ox fall between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.

Ancient Chinese astronomers divided zodiac stars into groups known as the "28 Mansions."  This is because of how the moon moves in its monthly journey across the sky.  It is said the moon "visits" these mansions as it passes by.  The ox is located in one of the northern mansions of the Black Tortoise.  Western tradition places it within the constellation Capricornus.

It is fun to explore the intricate holiday traditions of other cultures.  Lunar New Year is one of the most interesting, with millions of people across the globe celebrating it each year.  It is a time to enjoy meals with family and friends, festive decorations, and hope for good fortune in the year to come.

These Forever®stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class MailR one-ounce rate.


Made in the USA.


Product Specs：

Issue: Lunar New Year – Year of the Ox Stamp
Item Number: 480100
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever
Format: Pane of 20 (1 design)
Series: Lunar New Year
Issue Date & City: February 2, 2021, Chicago, IL 60699
Art Director: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Designer: Antonio Alcalá, Alexandria, VA
Artist: Camille Chew, Providence, RI
Modeler: Sandra Lane/Michelle Finn
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Foil Stamping, Flexographic, Microprint
Printer: Banknote Corporation of America
Press Type: Gallus RCS
Stamps per Pane: 20
Print Quantity: 24,000,000 stamps
Paper Type: Phosphor, Block Tag
Adhesive Type: Pressure-sensitive
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Pantone 7579 Orange, Pantone 7563 Brown, Gold Foil Luxor MTS 413, Orange Foil Luxor MTS 404
Stamp Orientation: Vertical
Image Area (w x h): 0.84 x 1.42 in./ 21.336 x 36.068 mm
Overall Size (w x h): 0.98 x 1.56 in./24.892 x 39.624 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h): 7.25 x 8.5 in./184.15 x 215.9 mm
Press Sheet Size (w x h): 14.5 x 19.50 in./368.3 x 495.30 mm
Plate Size: 80 stamps per revolution
Plate Number: “B” followed by six (6) single digits in two corners
Marginal Markings:
Front: Header: Lunar New Year • Year of the Ox
Plate number in bottom two corners
Back: ©2020 USPS • USPS logo • 2 barcodes (480100) • Plate position dagram (4) • Promotional text

Shipping Information:

Shipping Method: USPS First Class & USPS Priority Mail.

Handling time: Usually around 2~3 business days.

Delivery time: Usually around 3-5 business days.

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