Year of the Rabbit 5.1.2011

In the Year of the Rabbit, that is in 2011, hospitable Macau is said to have inherited the characteristics pertaining to that year’s patron animal: ‘gentle, agile, affectionate, peaceful and of quiet nature.’ The Rabbit. These two delightful FDCs, one with the miniature or souvenir sheet if you please, and the other with all the 5 commemorative stamps were issued by Macau. They are postmarked with a quaint postmark dated 5.1.2011.
So, on New Year’s Eve – after purchasing gifts at any of the Lunar New Year fairs – the Chinese residents went to either A-Ma or Kun Iam temples and joined the many worshippers there to usher in the Lunar Year. They bought pinwheels and good luck charms to bring back home, as ‘pinwheels’ are believed to twirl around for a luck change for the better. But, many also chose to enjoy the promised romantic fireworks on display free of charge at night. The firecrackers and fireworks were launched in the special launch areas at the waterfront in Macau and Taipa to add more joy and happiness to the whole family’s outing.
Also, one could watch in the following days the Macau Tower’s ‘CNY Walk’, an admission-free event for visitors to climb the stairs to the Tower’s observation deck, for good luck. The traditional ‘Opening of Kun Yam Treasury’, a ritual common in Southern China, on the 26th day of the first lunar month which attracted the most worshippers to Pou Chai Sim Un (or Kun Iam Tong, one of the three major Buddhist temples in Macau) to pray for good luck and safety. And, to be sure one had watch the grand parade of the 238-metre golden dragon and 18-lions on New Year’s Day.

Year of the Rabbit 5.1.2011

Macau, also spelled Macao is, along with Hong Kong, one of the two special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China. It lies on the western side of the Pearl River Delta, bordering Guangdong province to the north and facing the South China Sea to the east and south. The territory's economy is heavily dependent on gambling and tourism but also includes manufacturing. Macau was a Portuguese colony and both the first and last European colony in China. Portuguese traders first settled in Macau in the 16th century and subsequently administered the region until the handover on 20 December 1999. The Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration and the Basic Law of Macau stipulate that Macau operates with a high degree of autonomy until at least 2049, fifty years after the transfer. Under the policy of "one country, two systems", the PRC's Central People's Government is responsible for the territory's defence and foreign affairs, while Macau maintains its own legal system, police force, monetary system, customs policy, and immigration policy. Macau participates in many international organizations and events that do not require members to possess national sovereignty. According to the CIA fact book, Macau has the second highest life expectancy in the world.

Macau post issued a set of five stamps to welcome the Lunar year of Rabbit 2011. The Rabbit is the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.
The Year of the Rabbit is associated with the earthly branch symbol? People born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. They are clever at business and being conscientious, never back out of a contract.

Year of the Rabbit 11.1.2011

Year of the Rabbit 11.1.2011

These two stamps were issued by Australia Post/Christmas Island to commemorate The Year of the Rabbit 2011. The FDC on top is with the Miniature sheet, and a legend in brief about the Jade Rabbit. The FDC below has the commemorative stamps.
The Territory of Christmas Island is a territory of Australia in the Indian Ocean. It is located 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) northwest of the Western Australian city of Perth, 360 km (220 mi) south of the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, and 975 km (606 mi) ENE of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. It has a population of 1,403 residents who live in a number of "settlement areas" on the northern tip of the island: Flying Fish Cove (also known as Kampong), Silver City, Poon Saan, and Drumsite. The island’s geographic isolation and history of minimal human disturbance has led to a high level of endemism among its flora and fauna, which is of significant interest to scientists and naturalists. 63% of its 135 square kilometres (52 sq mi) is an Australian national park. There exist large areas of primary monsoonal forest. Phosphate, deposited originally as dead marine organisms (not guano as often thought), has been mined on the island for many years.

Year of the Rabbit 5.1.2011

The lovely First Day Cover on The Year of the Rabbit was sent to me by Zhang. The stamp on the cover which brought the FDC is also displayed. It is a pretty painting. Isn't it?

Year of the Rabbit 14.1.2011

France issued this stamp and FDC on 14.01.2011 to usher in the Year of the Rabbit. 

Eric sent me this lovely cover.

Year of the Rabbit 7.1.2011

Further to my post on the Year of the Rabbit on 7th January, I now have a very pretty First Day Cover from Canada with a mini sheet on this subject issued on the 7th January. This FDC was sent to me by Guy Dorval.

Year of the Rabbit 2011

Persons born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the "Year of the Rabbit," while also bearing the following elemental sign:

• 29 January 1903 – 15 February 1904: Water Rabbit
• 14 February 1915 – 2 February 1916: Wood Rabbit
• 2 February 1927 – 22 January 1928: Fire Rabbit
• 19 February 1939 – 7 February 1940: Earth Rabbit
• 6 February 1951 – 26 January 1952: Metal Rabbit
• 25 January 1963 – 12 February 1964: Water Rabbit
• 11 February 1975 – 30 January 1976: Wood Rabbit
• 29 January 1987 – 16 February 1988: Fire Rabbit
• 16 February 1999 – 4 February 2000 Earth Rabbit
• 3 February 2011 – 22 January 2012: Metal Rabbit

The Rabbit is the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Rabbit is associated with the earthly branch symbol 卯. In the related Vietnamese zodiac, the cat takes the place of the rabbit (Main character in the card). The Chinese symbol 卯 for the Rabbit sounds like (mão, mẫu, méo, mẹo, mẻo); the word "mèo" is cat in Vietnamese. Therefore, cat was translated from Chinese to Vietnamese as fourth zodiac sign instead of Rabbit.

Rabbit Personality - People born in the year of the rabbit often make ideal diplomats or politicians. Rabbit person has grace, culture and beautiful manners. Although rabbit people get on well with everyone, at heart they are basically reserved creatures, and are only really happy when they are engrossed in some sort of scholarly or intellectual activity. They are just too sensitive to the world around them. They are just not able to thrive in a competitive or aggressive environment, and it makes them anxious if someone forces them to take risks. Their inner world is simply too delicate for unsettled or unpredictable situations, and they tend to create a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere on a hunch. This character trait makes them very hospitable and attentive people, who take care of those around. The average rabbit person emphasizes the importance of small details. They pay attention to everything from colour, design and furniture to food and conversation. And only when they are sure that everything has been arranged as they wished, these people can relax and have fun. Person born in the year of rabbit often leads a conservative lifestyle, where one of the most important things is their security. This quality has a negative side also. Opting for safety over risk they may miss good opportunities. This does not imply that these people are frivolous or irresponsible, for when they truly believe in some thing they are serious, perseverant and capable.

Calm as they are, it is not easy to provoke rabbit people. They are sentimental and compassionate. Yes, and they cry easily too. They can be moved by personal problems you share with them. Therefore, if you work as a salesman for a living, you will have much better luck with rabbit people - Nine out of Ten Rabbit people will definitely buy your products!   

Thanks Stan for this lovely card.