Christmas Island Cultural Festivals

Overview

An Australian territory since 1958, Christmas Island is geographically much closer to Indonesia than to mainland Australia. It is home to a permanent population of about 2,000 people, whose origins lie in many parts of the world, including China, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore and India. Many different languages are spoken, and the faiths observed include the Chinese tradition of Taoism, Buddhism, Islam, Ba’hai and Christianity. This rich heritage is reflected in cultural festivals held each year, many of which are celebrated by the entire community, regardless of a person’s particular faith.

As well as the four festivals illustrated on this set of stamps, other important occasions celebrated on the island include Chinese or Lunar New Year, Hari Maulad Nabi commemorating the birth of the prophet Mohammed, the birthdays of Chinese temple gods, Territory Day, and of course Christmas.

The full moon at the top of each stamp symbolises the lunar calendars that determine the timing of many of the festivals. Against this is a map of the island itself.

Technical specifications