Issue date: 10 August 2021
Overview
Lunar New Year 2017 celebrates the beginning of the Year of the Rooster. The Rooster is the tenth sign in the 12 year Chinese Zodiac cycle. The well-groomed Rooster is known to be confident, observant, resourceful and courageous. The Rooster is considered persistent and reliable, especially as they are the announcers of the new dawn. The loyal and honest Rooster likes to be surrounded by others.
Roosters are also multi-talented and hardworking, which is why they are suited to a career as a salesperson, athlete, surgeon, journalist or teacher. Their courage may also lead them to serve as a police officer, soldier or fireman.
According to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the Year of the Rooster year runs from 28 January 2017 until 15 February 2018. Previous Rooster years include 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, and 2005.
The stamps feature the Chinese calligraphic symbol for the Rooster, as well as a pictorial version that is inlayed with a colourful floral pattern using paper-cut motifs. A limited edition 24 carat gold minisheet is also available for order via the 2016 Impressions catalogue or Australian Post Offices.
Designer
The stamps, minisheet and zodiac sheetlet stamps were designed by Ms Dani Poon. Dani was born in China and grew up in Hong Kong, alive to the cultural sensibilities of the Chinese legendary stories and Chinese history. Dani studied graphic design at Swinburne University in Melbourne. Dani has been commissioned for the complete cycle of twelve designs, the Rooster being the tenth in the commission.
Products released in this issue
- First day cover (gummed, minisheet, zodiac and pictorial)
- Postage prepaid envelopes (domestic and international)
- Postal and numismatic cover
- Postal and numismatic cover (Dragon)
- Postcard
- Prestige booklet
- Stamp pack
- Silk minisheet collection
- Zodiac sheetlet: 20c x 4; 30c x 4; 50c x 4
Technical specifications
| Issue date | 10 January 2017 |
| Issue withdrawal date | 31 December 2017 |
| Denominations | 1 x $1, 1 x $3 |
| Stamp design | Dani Poon |
| Product design | Jo Mure |
| Printer | RA Printing |
| Paper - gummed | Tullis Russell red phosphate |
| Printing process | Offset lithography |
| Stamp size | 26mm x 37.5mm |
| Minisheet size | 136mm x 70mm |
| Zodiac sheet size (mm) | 170mm x 210mm |
| Perforations | 14.6 x 13.86 |
| Sheet layout | Module of 50 (2 x 25) blue foil |
| FDI postmark | Christmas Island WA 6798 |
| FDI withdrawal date | 8 February 2017 |
Stamps in this issue
Chinese characters
The minisheet tells the ancient story (in English and Chinese) of a time when the world was new and there were nine suns in the sky. The people shot down all but one, to lessen the scorching heat, but the remaining sun became frightened and went into hiding. The people sent various animals to coax her out, but only the Rooster was fearless and persistent enough to carry on with his task of crowing each morning. This made the sun feel safe. She rose again, returning warmth to the world.
Related stamp issues
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Issue date: 17 August 2020
Christmas Island Crabs
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Issue date: 27 August 2019
Christmas Island: 19th-Century Explorers
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Issue date: 28 August 2018
Christmas Island: The Art of John Gerrard Keulemans
This content was produced at the time of the stamp issue release date and will not be updated.