Stamp Requests

Dear Slowly team, Last year there was a large batch released to commemorate Christmas and New Year holiday in Europe, America, some Asian and Oceanic. So I think it'd be nice if we have some Premium Region-Specific Lunar New Year stamps this year. Besides solar new year, many Asian countries do celebrate Lunar New Year as the most important and popular festival in their countries. ( Detail here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_New_Year ) In Vietnam, Tết Nguyên Đán takes place from the 1st day of the first lunar month. For example, Tết falls on January 22nd in solar calendar in 2023 and usually lasts for a week. The most iconic things about Vietnamese Tet certainly is our traditional dishes " Bánh Chưng, Bánh Dày". While Bánh Chưng shaped square symbolizes the Earth, Bánh Dày shaped round symbolizes the Sky. The filling of Bánh Chưng consist of mung beans and pork which symbolize all living organisms on the Earth. All of the ingredients are wrapped with green leaves, honoring the unconditional love of parents for their kids. Bánh Chưng, Bánh Dày are all made of rice, which emphasizes the important role of rice in Vietnam, a country with a long-standing wet-rice culture. You can find out more about our Tet Nguyen Dan and the legendary of Bánh Chưng, Bánh Dày here: * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%E1%BA%BFt * http://www.lionbrand.com.au/blog/the-legend-of-the-rice-cake-banh-chung-and-banh-giay Vietnam doesn't have any commemorative stamp at present so I hope that we can see a well-depicted stamp next year. Thank you!

Pysanka is a Ukrainian variety of Easter eggs; an egg decorated with traditional symbols that are painted with wax and dyes.

Thousands of Bolivians are attracted by a bizarre pre-Columbian tradition to the central cemetery in La Paz, Bolivia to participate in annual Day of the Skull (Dia de los Natitas). The festival takes place on November 9, a week after the end of another festival, Day of the Dead. Day of the Skull is celebrated by Bolivian Catholics, and it seems that the church supports this festival. Every year people bring the skulls to the church to be blessed at the General Cemetery in La Paz. The skulls are brought in wooden, glass, cardboard boxes and even in plastic bags. The skulls should be decorated, and everyone does their best to treat the skull right. People usually put a knitted hat on a skull and use roses and hydrangea's petals to decorate it, sometimes the skulls have sunglasses on and even a cigarette between their teeth. The skull that is brought to the cemetery must be of an unknown person, but if this one is not available, the skull of a relative will also be good. Keeping a skull at home is an ancient Bolivian tradition. The skulls were the displayed trophies, and they symbolized the death and rebirth. According to another Bolivian belief, every person has seven souls. The six of them leave the body after the death, and only one remains in the skull. That is why bodies are exhumed after the funerals and the skull is taken home. The skull must be respected, otherwise it will bring bad luck to the household and even ruin the family. But if the skull is properly taken care of, it may be asked for favor. That is why a big part of celebration of Day of the Skull is dedicated to skulls only, they are offered cocoa leaves, cigarettes and are even serenaded by musicians. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead#Bolivia

Capoeira is a mixture of martial art and dance that represents the struggle of black people for freedom. I believe it is a good symbol of Brazilian culture.

On August 1st, Peru and Ecuador celebrate Pachamama Raymi, a traditional festival that honors Pachamama, the revered Mother Earth in Andean culture. Pachamama Raymi is a time to express gratitude and pay homage to the earth for its abundance and fertility. During the festival, people gather in communities and perform rituals to show their reverence for Pachamama. Offerings of food, flowers, and other symbolic items are made to the earth as a sign of appreciation. Ceremonies are conducted by shamans and spiritual leaders, who lead prayers and rituals to establish a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Pachamama Raymi is deeply rooted in indigenous beliefs and traditions, reflecting the close connection between the Andean people and the natural environment. It is a time to reflect on the interdependence between humans and the earth and to seek blessings and protection for the upcoming agricultural season. The festival is marked by vibrant music, traditional dances, colorful costumes, and delicious traditional food. It is a joyful occasion that brings communities together to celebrate their cultural heritage and strengthen their bond with the natural world.

Mask making is a popular tradition in Sri Lanka. Many Sri Lankan mask artisans ply their trade along the Western, South Western, and Southern coasts of the island. Of these, the Ambalangoda area on the South Western coast of Sri Lanka is renowned for its talented artisans. These masks are used in several occasions bound with Sri Lankan tradition.

Kandyan dance (Sinhala: උඩරට නැටුම්) encompasses various dance forms popular and native to the area called Kandy of the Central Hills region known as Udarata in Sri Lanka, which have today spread to other parts of the country. It is an example of Sinhalese culture in Sri Lanka.

Yennayer, also known as the Amazigh New Year, is celebrated on January 12th or 13th (depending on regional variations) in several North African countries, including Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and the Canary Islands. It marks the beginning of the year in the Berber or Amazigh calendar and is a significant cultural and traditional observance for Berber communities. Key features of Yennayer include: Traditional Foods: Families come together to prepare and share traditional Amazigh dishes, often featuring ingredients like couscous, grains, vegetables, and dried fruits. Special Yennayer foods symbolize prosperity and abundance. Cultural Events: Festivities may include cultural events such as music performances, traditional dances, storytelling, and poetry readings that showcase Berber heritage and creativity. Decorations: Homes and public spaces may be adorned with colorful decorations, symbols, and items associated with Berber culture. This adds a festive atmosphere to the celebration. Traditional Clothing: People often wear traditional Amazigh clothing, which varies by region and may include vibrant fabrics and intricate designs. Renewing Ties: Yennayer is a time for families and communities to strengthen bonds, reconcile differences, and renew ties with their cultural heritage. It is an occasion for reflection and unity. Cultural Revival: The celebration of Yennayer contributes to the preservation and revival of Amazigh culture and language. It reinforces the identity and heritage of Berber communities. Yennayer is a cultural and symbolic celebration that highlights the rich traditions and heritage of Berber communities in North Africa and the Canary Islands. It serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and the preservation of indigenous traditions.

The Bahay Kubo, a traditional type of house in the Philippines, is built using local materials such as wood, bamboo, and nipa grass which are commonly found in this tropical country showing the natives' ingenuity. Given that it's lightweight, the town people were even once fond of bayanihan which is basically the act of unity as they move the bahay kubo to a better location strengthening ties with folks. Reference: https://www.google.com/search?q=bahay+kubo+architecture+details&sxsrf=ALiCzsYwejy7Buiur0rhe7t1eBi6tJwjnA%3A1654018093019&ei=LVCWYs5sivrBA9HwvGg&ved=0ahUKEwiOt4vHoYr4AhUKfXAKHVE4Dw0Q4dUDCA4&uact=5&oq=bahay+kubo+architecture+details&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAMyBAgAEEcyBAgAEEcyBAgAEEcyBAgAEEcyBAgAEEcyBAgAEEcyBAgAEEcyBAgAEEc6BwgAEEcQsANKBAhBGABKBAhGGABQrAVYrAVg2whoAXACeACAAQCIAQCSAQCYAQCgAQHIAQjAAQE&sclient=gws-wiz

The Vierdaagse, internationally known as the Four Day Marches, is the largest multiple day marching event in the world and takes place in the third week of July in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, every year. Over 40,000 people from all around the world walk 30 km, 40 km or 50 km for four days in a row. The first edition took place in 1909. Originally, the Vierdaagse was mainly a military training event, with the goal to build up the soldiers’ stamina. Although civilians greatly outnumber soldiers nowadays, military forces representing different nations still take part. They have slightly different requirements: they walk a different route and must carry at least 10 kg of weight on their back. Fun fact: during WWI (in which the Netherlands remained neutral but the Dutch army was on standby), the march was initially cancelled but took place again after two years because the soldiers were bored. The gladiolus is the symbol of the Vierdaagse: participants receive gladioli at the end of the march, usually from friends and family members, because the gladiolus represents strength, willpower, pride and victory. The last part of the march is informally known as the “Via Gladiola”. Additionally, upon completion, participants receive a “Vierdaagsekruis”, a medal that is approved to be worn on military uniforms. During the Vierdaagse, Nijmegen transforms into one big festival known as the Zomerfeesten with over 1.5 million people visiting the city. Visitors can enjoy free music, a fair and a firework show. All in all, the Vierdaagse is one of the largest events in the Netherlands, so it would be awesome to have a stamp dedicated to this part of our culture! A stamp could for example display gladiolen, walking shoes, the Vierdaagsekruis or the Vierdaagse flag. For more information, see 4daagse.nl The Vierdaagsekruis, the cross participants receive upon completion of all four days (via https://www.photofacts.nl/fotografie/foto/et/vierdaagsekruis_18de.jpg ). The Vierdaagse flag (via https://i.pinimg.com/originals/48/5e/74/485e740a8173787636c4dd3272a0da08.jpg ). A walker with gladiolen (via http://media.nu.nl/m/m1nxjf0afbf0_wd1280.jpg/gladiool-stijgt-dankzij-vierdaagse-boven-zichzelf.jpg ).