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Poles have a unique way of celebrating St Andrew’s Day (30 November, although the festivities can kick off on the evening of 29 November). The festivities include a whole variety of fortune-telling games, including pouring candle wax through a keyhole into cold water to create a wax figurine whose shape is then used to foretell the future. Key to the occasion is the tradition of predicting the likelihood of marriage with the amusing shoe race, in which everyone in the room takes off their shoes and lays them across the floor, one pair after another, starting at the wall furthest from the door. The first pair of shoes to cross the threshold means wedding bells for the owner. https://polandunraveled.com/polish-st-andrew-day-andrzejki/ https://culture.pl/en/article/predicting-your-future-husband-the-polish-tradition-of-andrzejki https://www.inyourpocket.com/krakow/andrzejki-st-andrews-eve-in-poland_72953f https://www.britishpoles.uk/andrzejki-st-andrews-day-celebration-in-poland/ https://www.thefirstnews.com/article/pour-your-wax-and-set-your-eyes-on-the-future-andrzejki-is-here-is-again-3558 https://mosquitohostel.wordpress.com/2015/11/29/andrzejki-st-andrews-day-celebration-in-poland/ http://polishforexpats.pl/andrzejki-st-andrews-day-celebration-in-poland/ https://keytopoland.com/post/celebrating-andrzejki-in-poland https://blogs.transparent.com/polish/get-ready-to-have-fun-during-andrzejki-in-poland/ https://www.esn.pl/en/news/polish-folklore-andrzejki https://www.careersinpoland.com/article/customs/andrzejki-st-andrews-day

如果能把好吃的客家麻糬 客家小炒 還有油桐花的元素 放進郵票套裝中應該很讚 Everyone must know about this beautiful culture!!! I grow up in Hakka culture, I have strong bonds between me and Hakka. more about Hakka: https://www.google.com/search?q=%E5%AE%A2%E5%AE%B6%E4%BA%BA&source=lmns&bih=439&biw=931&hl=zh-TW&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjtiOrppZb4AhXHy4sBHXn_DkQQ_AUoAHoECAEQAA

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.

On July 20, Honduras pays tribute to one of its national heroes, Lempira, on Lempira Day. This significant holiday commemorates the bravery and resilience of Lempira, a renowned indigenous leader who fiercely defended his land and people against Spanish colonization. Lempira, a Lencan warrior, led the resistance against Spanish conquistadors during the 16th century. His name symbolizes the resistance and struggle for freedom that is deeply rooted in the history and identity of the Honduran people. Lempira Day holds great importance for the Honduran population, serving as a reminder of the country's indigenous heritage and the spirit of resistance against oppression. It is a day to honor and remember the courageous acts of Lempira and his commitment to preserving the ancestral lands of the indigenous communities. The celebrations on Lempira Day encompass a variety of cultural activities, including traditional music, dance performances, parades, and reenactments of historical events. These festivities bring together communities across Honduras, fostering a sense of unity and pride in their shared history and cultural heritage. As Hondurans gather to commemorate Lempira Day, they also take the opportunity to reflect on the challenges they face as a nation and reaffirm their commitment to upholding the principles of freedom, equality, and social justice that Lempira fought for. Lempira's legacy continues to inspire generations, serving as a symbol of courage and resistance against injustice. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and preserving indigenous cultures and the contributions they have made to the rich tapestry of Honduran society. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_Honduras

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.

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.

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!

Ride of The Kings is an important and unique festival that takes place annually the last weekend of May in the Czech Republic. The event has its roots in medieval times and is a celebration of traditional folklore and customs. The highlight of the festival is the parade of young men dressed in ornate costumes and masks, carrying wooden swords and riding decorated horses. The festival is deeply connected to the history and culture of the Czech people, and it is recognized as an important intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Ride of The Kings is a time for communities to come together and celebrate their shared heritage and traditions. The event has become increasingly popular in recent years, drawing visitors from around the world to witness the colorful spectacle. It is a true testament to the enduring power of folklore and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. If you ever have the chance to visit the Czech Republic, be sure to check out Ride of The Kings and experience this unique and unforgettable celebration of tradition and history. https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/ride-of-the-kings-in-the-south-east-of-the-czech-republic-00564 https://www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/30c146a3-7ade-454d-a7ea-05f8fc3115ef/place/c-unesco-jizda-kralu

Observed on August 8th each year, this special day honors the hard work and achievements of farmers across the country. Nane Nane, meaning "eight eight" in Swahili, is a significant event that showcases the importance of agriculture in Tanzania's economy and culture. Nane Nane Day brings together farmers, agricultural experts, government officials, and the general public for a day filled with festivities, exhibitions, and educational programs. The event takes place in various locations throughout the country, with a central celebration held in Morogoro, a city known for its agricultural productivity. During Nane Nane Day, farmers proudly display their crops, livestock, and agricultural machinery, showcasing the diversity and abundance of Tanzania's agricultural sector. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about different farming techniques, innovative practices, and the latest developments in agricultural technology. The event also features cultural performances, music, dance, and traditional food stalls where visitors can indulge in delicious Tanzanian cuisine. It is a time for communities to come together, exchange knowledge, and celebrate the essential role that agriculture plays in sustaining livelihoods and ensuring food security. Nane Nane Day not only recognizes the hard work and contributions of farmers but also serves as a platform to address challenges and explore ways to improve the agricultural sector. It promotes sustainable farming practices, encourages investment in agriculture, and highlights the need for modernization and increased productivity. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nane_Nane_Day

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 ).