Symphony of Tulips

Date of Issue : 7 April 2017

Here is a beautiful set of stamps issued by Romania Post featuring famous flower exhibition in Europe. The “Symphony of Tulips” is the most important social-cultural, artistic, sporting and commercial manifestation for the Pitesti municipality. This spring, Romfilatelia dedicates the postage stamp issue Symphony of Tulips, to the city of Pitesti and its main manifestation.

The exhibition’s tradition is long, and Pitesti became associated with the idea of the city of tulips. The first edition took place in early May 1978 and delighted the residents by the richness of colours. The “Symphony of Tulips” is the second oldest dendrological and flower exhibition in Europe, after that of the Dutch city of Tynaarlo.

Although this year’s event lasts three days, the floral arrangements are planned to last as much as possible by overlapping the flowering periods and combining tulips with other background flowers, such as pansies or common daisies. The collection is structured on the principles of landscape architecture and follows harmonious geometric lines. Plants are grown and bred both domestically and abroad, in countries with a tradition in the field, such as the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Poland.

Native to Central Asia and the Middle East, tulips were considered a luxury and were first introduced into Europe in the 16th century from Turkey. Presented in a variety of colours, tulips symbolize elegance and grace: the yellow tulip stands for cheerful thoughts and sunshine; orange represents fascination, happiness, and warmth; white asks for forgiveness; red signifies true love and romance; those that are almost black in colour represents the heart of a lover.

During the event, artistic and cultural events take place, such as international scientific symposia, flower parade, folklore and pop music shows, painting exhibition and the “Tulips Cross”.

The stamp issue depicts the images of four representative buildings for Pitesti, in terms of administrative, historical and cultural heritage, which are accompanied by the enchanting colours that the Symphony of Tulips pours over the city.

The postage stamp with the face value of Lei 2.50 illustrates Pitesti City Hall, built in 1933 as headquarters of the Financial Administration and which became City Hall in 1968.

Built in Neo-Romanian style, the edifice has as author the architect State Cintan (1876-1940), who combined archaeology and ethnography in his works, and was very susceptible to local architectural traditions. Thus, the central hall was conceived as a patio covered by a spectacular skylight.

The stamp with the face value of Lei 4 presents the County Museum, the former palace of the Prefecture of Arges County, a beautiful Neoclassical building (1898-1899). It hosts significant evidence of the town’s history and that of Wallachia. Near the main building, two new modern buildings complement the museum.

The postage stamp with the face value of Lei 4.50 presents the headquarters of the “Rudolf Schweitzer - Cumpana” Art Gallery, built in 1886, in the Neoclassical style, and the former headquarters of Pitesti City Hall, until his move to the current location in 1968. The interior was done in French eclectic style, with a spacious hall and monumental staircase, which is in harmony with the valuable museum pieces it shelters. In its rooms are exhibited by Nicolae Grigorescu, Stefan Luchian, Theodor Pallady, Gh. Petrascu, Rudolf Schweitzer-Cumpana and Nicolae Tonitza attracting visitors’ attention to important moments in the history of Romanian fine arts.

The stamp with the face value of Lei 16 illustrates the Court of Appeal, a Neoclassical building from 1914. The architects Eracle Lazarescu and Arghir Culina designed a monumental construction, in which light transforms into a genuine element of creation and invited to animate the space through central hall skylight.

Source : Romfilatelia 

New stamps for Flower Lovers....

Flowers, National Symbol

Flora, a beloved theme for those passionate by philately, is once again taken up this year by Romfilatelia within the postage stamp issue “Flowers, National Symbol”. Together with the symbol flower of each state, the national flag completes the stamp illustration.

Romania is bordered by Bulgaria to the south, Serbia to the southwest, Hungary to the northwest, Ukraine in the north and east and Moldova to the east and the Black Sea to the southeast.

The peony whose image is reproduced on the stamp with the face value Lei 1.50 is a flower species unique to Europe. In the country there are five nature reserves for Paeonia peregrina in Teleorman, Mures, Olt, Dolj and Giurgiu.

Romania’s national symbol flower, the peony, is also known under the name of the Palm of the Lord’s Mother (verbatim). All its other names are popular, archaic and describe the Romanian peony. In popular culture, the peony is often associated with longing, with physical beauty or love.

The symbol flower of the Republic of Moldova is the basil, whose image is reproduced on the stamp with the face value of Lei 4.50.

To the left of the Prut it’s one of the most beloved and sung plants. Because of its special aromatic oils and its preservative properties, basil is used in the Orthodox Church rituals to produce holy water, having the role of chasing away evil spirits. At the same time, in local tradition this plant is considered the flower of love and luck; it is also present in most magical practices for marital purposes. In popular medicine, basil is used as a plant with talismanic properties for memory improvement and as an anti-stress remedy.

The Republic of Croatia’s national flower, illustrated on the stamp with the face value of Lei 8, is Iris croatica. The Croatian name for this flower is Perunika and comes from the name of Perun, who was the greatest god of thunder and lightning in Slavic mythology. Legend has it that Perunika will only grow in the place where the god Perun’s lightning struck.In 2000, the Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences proclaimed the Perunika as Croatia’s national flower.

Iris croatica is distinguished primarily from many other subspecies by the greatness of all its plant parts, the flowers being oval and richer. We can admire the beauty of the iris flowers in summer and autumn. About the gorgeous purple flower, herbalists claim that it is a simple remedy to keep a variety of diseases under control. The gorgeous flower that we find in gardens, parks and even in pots on terraces is a less known cure.

Bulgaria, a beautiful country in the Southeast European continent, has the rose as a national symbol. Rosa damascena whose image is reproduced on the stamp with the face value of Lei 15 is a symbol of this country, considered a worldwide brand, and the wide range of cosmetics that have rose aromas are called “Bulgarian gold” or “liquid gold”.

Rosa damascena or Kazanlak Rose is a highly fragrant flowering plant from which essential oil, confiture and syrup are extracted. From this variety of rose one can extract 30% more oil than of any other rose. The pink flowers have about 30 petals, hence the name of Trigintipetala.

Intelligent Birds....

Date of issue : 16 February 2017

Here is  a beautiful set of stamps and Maxim Cards from Romania featuring Intelligent Birds.The study of bird intelligence led to results that brought under question the pre-conceived ideas about how they can understand and how quickly they can adapt. A common test of intelligence is the bypass test, where a glass barrier sits between the bird and a desired object, such as a piece of food. Most mammals can discover that the objective is achieved only if you first walk away from the target. While poultry fail to pass this test, many birds from the Corvidae family are able to easily solve the problem.

The Eurasian jackdaw or European jackdaw (Corvus monedula), illustrated on the stamp with the face value of Lei 2.50, is one of the smallest birds belonging to this family, being widespread in Western Europe, but can be found less often in south, in Northern Africa and Western Asia.

The pair is formed for life and is very loyal in the relationship. They raise a single brood of chicks every year, which they take great care of. They have strong emotional ties between them, which come from their above-average intelligence, and these ties can be manifested if they are hand-raised by humans. 

The jackdaw’s voice is considerably more modulated and more varied compared to that of other Corvidae. They are glib birds, giving the feeling that they chatter a lot among themselves, always making much noise. Without much effort the jackdaw learns to copy words and other sounds.

The Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius), illustrated on the stamp with the face value of Lei 4.50, is widespread in Europe, Africa and Western Asia and is a sedentary species. This means that it can be seen in Romania throughout the year. 

It was first described by the botanist Carl von Linné in 1758. It is about 35 cm long, has beautifully coloured feathers and its wingspan measures 55-60 cm. The Eurasian Jay is not as easy to spot as its Corvidae cousins, given that it is extremely cautious when approaching human settlements. In winter, due to a lack of food, it can be seen more often in villages and city parks. 

The Rook (Corvus frugilegus), illustrated on the stamp with the face value of Lei 8 is a great consumer of nuts which it drops onto the ground to break them and then nibbles the core. They are also sociable birds that inhabit and nest in large groups, called colonies, being impressive in number. They can be sedentary or migratory (in disparate groups and different directions), depending on the low temperatures in region where they live and th favorable conditions for food. 

The Eurasian magpie or common magpie (Pica Pica), illustrated on the stamp with the face value of Lei 15, can be seen in the lowlands, as well as in mountain areas up to altitudes of 2,500 m. Compared to other members of the Corvidae family, magpies are not strong flyers and therefore spend a lot of time sitting on tree branches or on the ground. While foraging, the magpie utters loud sounds, but despite that and despite its size it is often chased away by smaller birds.

Due to its characteristic black and white plumage, it’s easily recognized even by those with little knowledge of birds. The magpie is a diurnal bird which starts being active shortly before sunrise and finishes its activities at sunset. 

The Raven (Corvus corax), illustrated on the "first day cover”, has proven tactical skills from a study in which researchers put under observation a population of captive ravens. They had two methods of survival: either they created their own hideouts with food or they would raid other ravens’ hideouts. „Gatherers” drastically changed behavior when they noticed "raiders” placing themselves in order to follow them to their hideouts. A "gatherer” raven will choose another location for his hiding place, where it will take small amounts of food, which it will leave unguarded to convince the “raider” raven that he has found the initial hideout. The latter is itself able to hide its intentions, trying to imitate a „gatherer” but seeking to discover its hiding place.

These results suggest that all ravens, whether they act as "gatherers” or "raiders” are able to retain information on their intentions and therefore manipulate the attention of other birds, either to prevent or to acquire advantages.

New Stamps on Flowers..

Date of Issue : 4 March 2016

Latvijas Pasts has released a new stamp featuring Water Lily in the  Flowers series on 4th March 2016. The design of the FDC is excellent. A nice  collecting item, for all stamp lovers.

Water lilies are considered by many to be the jewels of the pond. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they also serve an important purpose in the pond, mainly in aiding its ecosystem. Water lilies spread across the water‘s surface, filling it with color and vibrancy all the while keeping the pond and the creatures in it safe and healthy.

Water lily is one of the most magnificent aquatic plants. It can impress anyone with its beauty and diversity. Water lilies are large plants with big floating, long-stalked leaves that grow in water and wetlands. The flowers are large and solitary. Pollination occurs either by insects or by self-pollination.

Water Lily is the seventh stamp in the series Flowers, which was launched in 2010 by Latvijas Pasts. The first release in the series was Peony, which was followed by Rose, Lily, Iris, Tulip and Sunflower.

Symbolic bouquet of flowers for women…

Date of Issue : 8 March 2016

The postage stamp issue “Flowers’ Alphabet (II) CU DRAG (With Love)” is dedicated this year to March 8th, the International Women’s Day. 

In different regions of the globe the March 8th festivities range from a general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for their economic, political and social achievements. International Women’s Day has had various interpretations over the years. The version that is celebrated now has its origin in 1977 when the United Nations General Assembly invited all member states to proclaim March 8th as Women’s Rights and World Peace Day. 

On this occasion, Romfilatelia offered to all the ladies a symbolic bouquet of flowers. Each of the stamps of this issue depicts a head letter intertwined with a flower, the entire issue forming the words “CU DRAG” (With Love). 

The stamp with the face value of Lei 1.20 illustrates the letter C of Chrysanthemum (lat. Chrysanthemum hortorum).

 Chrysanthemums, also called autumn daisies, belong to the genus Chrysanthemum, featuring over 30 species of perennials belonging to the family Asteraceae, native to Asia and northeastern Europe. The flowers are solitary or grouped in multiple inflorescences. The flowers of the spontaneous species are yellow; even the name chrysanthemum is derived from the Latin words chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower). The cultivated species have a multitude of shapes and colours ranging from white, yellow to various shades of red, green or purple. 

The stamp with the face value of Lei 1.40 illustrates the letter U of “Urechelnita”, the common houseleek (lat. Sempervivum tectorum). 

Its name does not betray the beauty and utility of the plant. In Europe, it grows in among the spontaneous flora but is also widely cultivated for its ornamental and curative nature. In Romania it’s found in rocky limestone areas, but it’s also cultivated and even preferred for growing on green roofs in some rural areas. Fleshy leaves grow from the stem, thick and very juicy, arranged in a rosette, with sharp peaks. They are used in various household remedies both internally and externally. 

The stamp with the face value of Lei 1.60 illustrates the letter D of Dahlia (lat. Dahlia variabilis). 

The Dahlia genus includes over 15 species of perennials and is native to Central and North America. Its cultivation in Europe began in the Royal Gardens of Madrid, the director of the gardens naming the plant in honor of the Swedish botanist Anders Dahl, who brought the plant from America. The flowers are grouped in inflorescences of various colors. The plant is multiplied by tubers. 

The stamp with the face value of Lei 4.50 illustrates the letter R of “Ruscuta de primavara”, yellow pheasant’s eye (lat. Adonis vernalis). 

The species grows in Europe and Asia; in our country it can be found on steep hills, in pastures and sunny hayfields, from the plains to the mountains. The leaves are deeply divided, like those of dill. The flowers are golden yellow and shiny. It is considered a poisonous plant, but with curative properties for heart disease. 

The stamp with the face value of Lei 8 illustrates the letter A of Azalea (lat. Rhododendron japonicum). 

Azaleas are a group of shrubs that belong to the genus Rhododendron. Its name derives from the Greek words rhódon (rose) and déndron (tree). The plant is attractive both by size and composition of the flower, which can be simple or with multiple petals, and also by its vivid color tones and shades from dark red or purple to pink and white. The azalea is widespread in regions with mild winters and moderate summers except Africa and South America. 

The stamp with the face value of Lei 16 illustrates the letter G of Gladiola (lat. Gladiolus hybridus). 

The Gladiolus genus contains over 250 species spread throughout Asia, Europe and South Africa. Gladiolas are related to irises, both having an elongated shaft sharpen toward the peak, in the form of a sword. Even its name is derived from the Latin word for sword, gladius. Its flowers grow in the form of a blade, with a wide range of colors. 

Romfilatelia thanks The Romanian Academy Institute of Biology for the documentary support offered in the creation of this postage stamp issue. 

Clock Towers - Towers of Time

 

Clock towers are a common sight in many parts of the world with some being iconic buildings like the one in London commonly called 'Big Ben' (although it is correctly called the Elizabeth Tower as Big Ben is the bell inside the tower). Clock towers are a specific type of building which houses a turret clock and has one or more clock faces on the upper exterior walls. Many clock towers are freestanding structures but they can also be adjoining or on top of another building. The tallest clock tower in the world is the recently constructed Makkah Clock Royal Tower, standing 601 m or 1,971 feet high.

A turret clock or a public clock is a clock that is larger than a domestic clock and has a mechanism designed to drive a visual time indicator such as dials and or bells as a public amenity. Turret clocks specifically had mechanisms mounted high in a building often a purpose built tower such as churches town halls and other public buildings. Clocks were not referred to as turret clocks by clockmakers until recent times, often old clocks were recognised as turret clocks by their location.A true turret clock has mechanical and latterly electrical power and therefore sits late in the history of timekeeping.

Date of Issue : 3 October 2014

Famous Clock Towers of Romania on stamps

Romfilatelia issued a special set of stamps under the name Towers of Time, Clock Towers. This issue is dedicated to some of the most representative assemblies of this type built over time in Romania. The six stamps were released und put into circulation on the 3d of October.

Ever since Antiquity, the measuring of time has been a preoccupation for people, who first started measuring it by the apparent movement of the sun and stars, later on inventing the first mechanisms for a more precise measuring of the passing of time – the hour glasses with sand and the hydraulic devices.

The Tower of Oradea City Hall, illustrated on the stamp with the face value of lei 3.00, was built between 1902-1903, being 50 m tall, structured on 4 levels. At the first level we can find the tower clock mechanism. The clock from the third level plays at specific times “Iancu’s March”. The clock was built in 1904, having 4 dials, one on each side of the tower. It survived the two World Wars, the clock dials still bearing the marks of bullets from 1944, when the battles for the liberation of Transylvania took place.

On the stamp with the face value of lei 3.10 is illustrated The Trumpeters’ Tower of Medias. The tower was raised in two stages: first, the lower floors, built at the same time as St. Margaret Church, and after, the topmost floors, finalised in 1551. It is 68 m tall and at its top is tilted from the central axis of the tower by 2.28 m. The tilting has occurred because of the extra weight added to the tower later on, as the tower was further heightened with its top floors. The Trumpeters’ Tower is in fact among the world’s top 10 most tilted buildings.

In over 500 years since its building, the tower was damaged numerous times due to lighting and storms, which have destroyed its roof and sometimes the interior as well. From the very beginning, the tower had clock dials, one on each of its 4 sides, while in 1880 the current clock was installed, indicating the phases of the moon.

The stamp with the face value of lei 3.30 depicts the Tower of the Palace of Culture from Iasi. The raising of the palace was interrupted during Wold War I, lasting from 1906 to 1925. The Palace of Justice in Paris was the inspiration source for architect Ion D. Berindei in choosing the flamboyant Neo-Gothic architectural style of the building. On the night of the inauguration of the Palace of Culture tower clock, architect Berindei, together with his two sons, set the clock to ring continuously, for several hours, with the tune of the Dance of Unity (“Hora Unirii”), which could be heard throughout the town.

The Tower of the Communal Palace of Buzau is illustrated on the stamp with the face value of lei 3.60. The building, which also incorporates the tower, was raised between 1899-1903 after the project of architect Alexandru Savulescu, and was inaugurated in the presence of King Carol I, in 1904. The architectural style is a harmonious mix of Gothic, Byzantine, Baroque and Brancovenesc style elements. The capitals of the columns at the street level are Corinthian, while the columns themselves are Ionian by their massiveness. The columns of the upper floor are reminiscent of the great Venetian palaces. The tower is 20 m tall, the clock being installed in 1903.

The Tower of the Brasov City Council is illustrated on the stamp with the face value of lei 4.70. Initially, the Council House from Brasov had been a mere surveillance tower; however, in 1420, the Furriers’ Guild allowed the 9 communes making up Burzenland to build the Council building, to house the meetings of the city council. Over time, new rooms were added to the building, as well as the tower equiped with clock dials on all of its four sides. Starting with 1690, the mechanism of the clock strikes the bell of the tower every hour. The architecture of the City Council building combines the Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance styles.

The Peles Castle, built between 1875-1883, was the official summer residence of the Royal House of Romania. Considered as being among the most beautiful castles in Europe, this was the first castle to have electric lighting on the continent. The Central Tower of the Peles Castle is illustrated on the stamp with the face value of lei 14.50. The mechanical main clock of the tower has 3 dials, being decorated with the main astronomical symbols and oriented towards South, East and West.

New stamps from Romania..

 

150 YEARS, UNIVERSITY OF BUCHAREST

 

Date of Issue : 16 July 2014

On the occasion of the 150-year anniversary since the establishment of the University of Bucharest, Romfilatelia launches a new issue of postage stamps consisting of a stamp with the face value of lei 8.10 and a perforated souvenir sheet with a postage stamp having the face value of lei 14.50.

The term University aptly denotes the character of the institution, as the medieval Latin meaning of the term is community (Latin term universitas); at its opening, the University of Bucharest joins together the professors and students of the three already existing faculties: the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Letters and Philosophy, and the Faculty of Sciences.

The University was metaphorically named everywhere Alma Mater (nourishing mother), the term being used by Latin poets to express the idea of homeland. The University of Bucharest has stood for 150 years as a fundamental institution for the cultural, social and political life in our country. Through its valuable students and professors, it was also represented abroad: in France, at the Sorbonne, by Nicolae Iorga and at the French Academy by great writers such as Emil Cioran and Eugen Ionescu, in Spain by George Uscatescu, Mircea Eliade often participating as a lecturer in different famous universities.

The Palace of the University was completed on December 14th, 1869, becoming not only an imposing architectural building endowed with administrative powers, but also a strong community (Universitas) established between mentors and disciples.

Among the rectors that led the University, many of them remained known as senior political figures, such as Gheorghe Costaforu (professor at the Faculty of Law, two times appointed minister), Vasile Boerescu (Law professor and Foreign Minister), Titu Maiorescu (aesthetician, literary critic, member of the Parliament, minister and prime minister), Nicolae Iorga (historian, writer, academic, minister and prime minister),Constantin Stoicescu (jurist, member of the Parliament and minister).

 

Date of Issue : 15 July 2014

The Church of the Three Holy Hierarchs Monastery in Iasi celebrates its 375th anniversary

On the occasion of the 375-year anniversary since the building of the Church of the Three Holy Hierarchs Monastery, and within the annual theme dedicated to Romanian Postage Stamp Day, Romfilatelia introduces into circulation an issue of postage stamps dedicated to this architectural masterpiece and spiritual monument, unique in the world.The postage stamp of the issue, with the face value of lei 14.50, illustrates the building of the Three Holy Hierarchs Church inIasi.

The souvenir sheet of the issue has special die cut on margins and illustrates the rotive in the church porch, next to a stone ornament representing the emblem of Moldavia. The postage stamp of the souvenir sheet, with the face value of lei 8.10, also presents the building of the Church.

Live Healthy with good food…

 

LIVE HEALTHY !  ROMANIAN TRADITIONS

Date of Issue : 18 April 2014

Here are new stamps from Romania Post on healthy food. Approaching in the wide range of philatelic themes, an issue of public interest concerning a balanced nutrition, Romfilatelia develops a new project dedicated to a healthy lifestyle, by introducing into circulation the postage stampsissue: Live healthy! Romanian traditions.

Customary for a healthy and varied alimentation, the products illustrated on these postage stamps suggest the idea that by consuming locally prepared traditional dishes in a proper combination, while avoiding at the same time overeating, this philatelic issue gives the message : Live healthy! Romanian traditions, and also the doctors recommendations that eating in excess can have health consequences.

The four postage stamps of the philatelic issue illustrate some of the traditional dishes that can be found on Romanians’ tables on Holidays.

The postage stamp with the face value of Leu 1 reproduces the image of an assortment of cozonac and red eggs.

The postage stamp with the face value of Lei 3.60 reproduces the image of an assortment of fish on fir-tree branches.

The postage stamps with the face value of Lei 4.50 and Lei 8.10 reproduce the images of roasted lamb with season vegetables, and traditional dairy products.

Owls on new Romanian stamps..

 

Romfilatelia issued new  postage stamps on 28 June,   entitled Nocturnal birds of prey, illustrating 4 different species of owls: the Little owl, the Long-eared owl, the Uralowl, and the Great grey owl.

The owls are impressive birds to which numerous myths, legends, stories or superstitions have been associated ever since antiquity. In many cultures from Africa,America, Europe or the Middle East there are beliefs according to which the presence of owls would predict diseases and death. On the other hand, in Hinduism, the owl is associated to the goddess Lakshmi, a divinity of prosperity, luck, fertility and generosity, while the old Greeks used to associate the owl to wisdom, considering it to be the bird of Athena, the goddess of wisdom.

Their predominantly nocturnal activity, the wild territories where they live, their dark plumage, offering them a very good camouflage, and their silent flight help them hide from the human sight, being rarely seen and only after sunset. Their specific song arouses fear just like their sight, their eyes being very expressive and acute. However, owls are extremely useful birds as their basic food consists of rodents, which destroy the cultures and carry many dangerous diseases for the human being. Nocturnal birds of prey, elite predators in the ecosystems where they live, the owls have a series of specific characteristics such as a sharp hearing, a silent flight and very strong claws.

 

 

Date of Issue : 28 June 2013

The Little owl (Athene noctua)

Also known as Athene noctua, it is a small bird whose length measures between 23 and 27 cm. It may be seen in Central and Western Europe. It mainly lives in rocky areas and localities, often finding shelter in abandoned buildings or in the attics of household outbuildings. It feeds on rodents to which we may add big insects, birds, small snakes and lizards that it hunts at night. The Romanian popular name of the little owl comes from the sounds produced at a high tonality. Their eyes are very expressive and large as compared to the size of their body and have an intense yellow colour.

The Long-eared owl (Asio otus)

This is a bird of prey of medium size, its body measures between 30 and 40 cm and it may be seen in North America, Eurasia andNorthern Africa. It lives on alpine meadows covered with juniper, in coniferae and leaf woods, coming down to agricultural cultures, in orchards and urban parks. It is a nocturnal bird of prey that hunts small animals, mainly rodents. The name of this bird derives from the tufts of feathers on its head resembling some ears. Depending on the environment, the situation or its potential adversaries, the long-eared owl may change its look by adapting its position and colour for camouflage.

The Ural owl (Strix uralensis)

As its name suggests, this is a big owl with its body measuring about 60 cm, which may be seen from Western Europe up to Correa and Japan. It lives in thick forests on hills and mountains preferring the coniferae woods, and it has the qualities of a very good night hunter feeding on birds and small mammals. The particularity of the species is represented by the two grey facial disks around the eyes, which are luminous, clean and spotless.

The Great grey owl (Strix nebulosa)

This is a big owl that measures between 65-70 cm and lives in Northern Europe (Poland, Finland and Sweden) reaching as far as Siberia and Northern America,Canada and Alaska, in thick coniferae forests. It migrates not depending on season, but depending on the presence of food, which mainly consists of water rats and small birds and animals. It hunts at nightfall and night, only occasionally during the day. Its plumage gives it a very good camouflage and it is hard to be seen on the tree trunks. Its favourite hunting grounds are fields, swamps and glades.

Club News

New stamp from India

 Stamp on Delhi Gymkhana Club

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee released a Commemorative Postage Stamp and Centenary Souvenir to mark the 100th Anniversary of the establishment of the Delhi Gymkhana Club on 3rd July 2013.

Forthcoming Issues from India Post

24. DELHI GYMKHANA CLUB 03.07.2013

25. MUSICIANS 1. PT. MALLIKARJUN MANSUR 2. KUMAR GANDHARVA 3. GANGUBAI HANGAL 4. D K PATTAMAL 5. ALI AKBAR KHAN 6. BHIMSEN JOSHI 7. PT. RAVISHANKAR 8. USTAD VILAYAT KHAN July 2013

26. KERALA LEGISLATURE 22.08.2013

27.BOATS OF INDIA (SET OF STAMPS) August 2013

28.WILD FLOWERS August 2013

29. MEANS OF TRANSPORT THROUGH THE AGES (SET OF STAMPS) August 2013

30.LALA JAGAT NARAIN 09.09.2013

31. GURAJADA APPA RAO 21.09.2013

32. RAJ BAHADUR 22.09.2013

33.PRATAP NARAYAN MISHRA 24.09.2013

34.GOLDEN JUBILEE OF BHAKRA DAM 22.10.2013

35.RUCHI RAM SAHNI 24.10.2013

36.175 YEARS OF TIMES OF INDIA October 2013

37.PHILATELY DAY October 2013

38.BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE, ALLAHABAD 05.11.2013

39.75 YEARS OF BHARATIYA VIDYA BHAVAN 07.11.2013

40.CHILDREN’S DAY 14.11.2013

41. RAILWAY WORKSHOPS AT KANCHRAPARA & JAMALPUR (SET OF STAMPS) 25.11.2013

- Sreejesh Krishnan – Trivandrum

RPSL Regional Meeting

Regional meeting of RPSL was held at New Delhi on 29 June 2013.The meeting was a great success as 11 new members have applied for membership.Meeting was started with new member's enrollment and introduction where Markand Dave honored and welcome Mr. Anils Suri by offering him the RPSL badge. A tribute was given to Mr. Jeffrey Brown on his sudden death, Doyen of Indian AeroPhilately . Mr Somani brought an excellent example of QV - East India used from Malcca, cancelled with B-109 , an unrecorded example in SG which was an exceptional item enjoyed by the members very well. Mr.Harsh Gupta's 1929 Airmail cover - Redirected more than 7 times was again a great pleasure for members- Mr.Anil Suri's Gold Medal winning collection of Indian states - Cochin was also on display.Mr.Markand Dave's presentation sheets of Danish Sett in India was very much appreciated . He also displayed his articles on 1854 India Lithograph stamps.

14th July, The Last Day of Indian Telegram

An idea of exchange of telegram message by RPSL members in India was proposed by Markand Dave and members have happily accepted it ,  One short message will be sent by Markand Dave to all members and all members in India have been requested to send one short message to Markand Dave, A composition of all last day messages will be lovingly donated to RPSL society by Indian - RPSL Members.

: Markand Dave – Nadiad (Gujarat)

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Flowers’ Clock on stamps…

 

Date of Issue : 25 January 2013

Hi !

Here is a wonderful issue of Flowers from  Romania Posta with Flowers’ Clock.The issue is very unique and a collectible item for flower lovers !!

Each stamp shows flower and its blooming time on the clock featured on the stamp. As we know that all flowers do not bloom at the same time !! What a great idea…. I just love this issue and would like to have in my collection !!

Have you ever taken into consideration that flowers do not all blossom at the same time? That there is a specific hour when each one reveals itself to the light, nature and peoples? With an interesting thematic approach, this year, Romfilatelia is offering a two-part postage stamps issue, Flowers' Clock. This issue, achieved in an original illustrative manner, combines the image of a flower with an exhibit from the Nicolae Simache Clock Museum in Ploiesti.

The postage stamp with the face value of 0.60 lei illustrates the Field Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) which blooming hour is 5 a.m.

On the postage stamp with the face value of 0.80 lei is illustrated the Common Chicory (Cichorium inthybus) which blooming hour is 6 a.m.

The postage stamp with the face value of 1.00 lei illustrates the Viper’s Grass (Scorzonera rosea) which blooming hour is 7 a.m.

The postage stamp with the face value of 1.60 lei illustrates the Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris), which blooming hour is 8 a.m.

The postage stamp with the face value of 2.40 lei illustrates the Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) which blooming hour is 9 a.m.

On the postage stamp with the face value of 5.00 lei is illustrated the Bird's-eye Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys) which blooming hour is 10 a.m.

Read More…

Club News

Grand Numismatic & Philatelic Exhibition will be held at Vellore (Tamilnadu)

Date : 8,9 &10 February 2013 ( Friday,Saturday and Sunday)

Place : Vellore.

venue: Town hall

For more details contact -

C.M.A.Tamilvanan[secretary]
Numismatic & Philatelic association of vellore fort
email: tamil_4442004@yahoo.co.in
http://numismaticphilavellore.site40.net/

Phone 09245591886

Joint Issue from Hong Kong and Romania..

 

Date of Issue: 24 November 2011

Hong Kong Post, China and Romania Post will jointly issue  special stamps featuring Handicraft  on 24 November 2011 .

"Hong Kong, China - Romania Joint Issue on Handicraft" Special Stamps

 

Souvenir Sheet 

Special Postmarks by Hong Kong and Romania Posts

Club News

JAMMU STAMPS SHOW 2011

A mega Philately Exhibition organized by J&K Postal Circle

23 to 26 November 2011, Kala Kendra, Jammu

Jammu & Kashmir Postal Circle is hosting a major Philately Exhibition titled ‘Jammu Stamps Show 2011’ from 23td to 26 November 2011 at Kala Kendra, Jammu. This four-day exhibition will showcase more than 400 frames of Indian and foreign postal stamps and stationery. This is a major event in Jammu, as more than 1 lakh rare stamps will be on display for the people of Jammu. We expect that a large number of philatelists across India will be participating in this major philately event.

The Exhibition will be inaugurated by His Excellency the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir State on 23 November 2011. The event will focus on ‘Jammu Heritage’ as Jammu has a large number of heritage buildings. 12 special covers on Jammu heritage and other key subjects will be brought out during the exhibition.

My Stamps: In addition, a series of ‘My Stamps’ focusing on UNESCO heritage sites of India, Jammu Heritage and other key subjects will be released and these will be star attractions of Jammu Stamps Show. Already, J&K Circle has brought out 24 sets of My Stamps during the Srinagar Philately Exhibition Chinar 2011 held in Sep 2011 and the series is available to the philatelists for collection.

Philately products: During Jammu Stamps Show, many Philately products will be released including the following

- 12 Special covers on Jammu Heritage,

- 8 Stamp Packs

- 8 Stamp cards

- 4 maxim cards

- 20 Greeting cards (2 sets of 10 each)

- 12 picture post cards

- Premium Post cards

- ‘My Stamp’ sets

- ‘Personalised stamps’ sets

- Presentation Packs

- Philately Book

- Philately mugs and T-shirts

- Key chains with stamps

Programs for the students: As a part of the Philately exhibition, we shall be having the following programs for the school and college students

a. Letter writing competition on the theme ‘Letter to my friend’

b. Stamp Design contest on the theme ‘India Post 2050’

c. Quiz contest for schools and colleges

d. Philately workshops on the theme ‘Learning through philately’

e. Philately Fun-Run

f. Group Discussion: Post office – Touching your lives

Post office at the Exhibition: Two Post office counters will be functioning at the Exhibition venue, one focusing on the retail sales of Philately products and the other one dealing with the corporate sales to the Philatelists. The Post office counter will have the provision to book Regd Post and Speed Post consignments. Dealers Booth will be made available on payment of a fee of Rs 5,000

Special covers brought out early: J&K Circle has been taking a few steps recently to develop philately in a creative manner. As Kashmir is known for its amazing beauty and tourist destinations, J&K Circle has brought out many Special covers recently focusing on the tourist destinations and culture of Kashmir and Ladakh. These special covers along with presentation packs are also available for sale to the philatelists

- Srinagar Special covers 12

- Ladakh special covers 6

- Siachen Base special covers 2

- Kashmir Tourist destination special covers 12

- 25 years of Speed Post special cover 1

J & K circle Carried covers: J &K Circle has recently brought out two important Carried covers

1. Carried cover on Siachen Glaciers , (released at Siachen Glaciers) carried from Leh to Siachen Glaciers through Army Helicopters by Army Commander, Northern Command and Chief PMG, J &K Cirlce

2. Carried cover on Kashmir Railways: (released at Anantnag, Kashmir by Chief PMG, J &K) carried from Anatnag Railway Station to Srinagar Railway Station through Kashmir Rail.

Both these carried covers are available for the philatelists with the signatures of Chief PMG and Army Commander, Northern Command.

Philatelists may get in touch with Philately Division, Chief PMG’s office, Srinagar (Mr C M Bhat , ASP Philately email; chinar2011@rediffmail.com) or with Chief Post Master General , J&K Circle (09419257000) for their philately requirements (email: js.johnsamuel@gmail.com )

- John Samuel

Chief Post Master General , J &K Circle

 

Ramayan on new Special Cover from Romania…

 

Hi ! I am back to my blog after 3 day vacation at  Dehradun, the city of academies and institutions. I visited the Philatelic Bureau to get some nice covers from Uttarakhand Postal Circle. But the time was not appropriate and the concerned officer was not available at the bureau. I had no time to wait….. During my long journey I could not access Internet….so could not publish new Posts . After return, found lot of mails in my Inbox…Here is one to share …..  It is a very nice item related with Indian mythology. It is a wonderful  special cover from Romania featuring scene from Ramayana. The info about this cover has been sent by our distinguished reader Ms Leeza Padhi from Silver city, Cuttack- Orissa. Thanks  Leeza, for sharing this nice info on this blog. It is an interesting cover . The imprinted stamp is the combination of two stamps issued by Romania Post earlier . Just enjoy the cover and have a nice time !

 

 Ramayana finds its way to Romania via Thailand. A special cover was  issued last month in Romania, shows scenes from Ramayana .

Imprinted stamp shows combination of Thailand 2005 stamp showing Rama fighting Ravan and Romania 2007 Kalasuri dance.Cover illustration shows among other stamps Thailand 1975 Hanuman mask stamp.

- Leeza Padhi- Cuttack

New Stamps from Romania

Date of Issue : 2 June 2011

Romania Post issued a beautiful set of two stamps   on Circus and 6 stamps on first six Zodiac signs.Both the sets are unique and wonderful !!

Circus

In the glory period of the Roman Empire, the circus represented one of the most accessible and favourite forms of entertainment. The manner of existence and organization of the activities, united under the name of circus, bears the clear mark of the temperament of different peoples and continents.

In Ancient Rome, the word “circus” meaning a circle or ring, defined the spaces having this shape where manifestations specific to that time took place: soldiers competing to demonstrate their qualities as great fighters, animal taming etc.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, circus continued its existence in Europe due to the organized groups of actors who were present with their performances, especially in the town fairs. In the Middle Ages, in Saxony, people saw these nomads also as an important source that could supply information about what was happening in the world, since strolling artists sang, told stories and most of the times brought news about other towns. After the Normans invasion, the juggler emerged in the world of the Saxon circus decreasing initially the popularity of minstrels. Subsequently, the circus actors learned to combine the representation styles and to share their dexterity tricks.

The history of the Romanian circus started in 1874 in Bucharest when the first autochthonous circus Sidoli Circus was set up, in the location of the present Gambrinus Beerhouse founded by I. L. Caragiale.The period between 1960 and 1970 was beneficial for the development of the acrobatic art, juggling and, implicitly, the circus show. The Romanian jugglers were highly appreciated by the audience on the stages of many countries performing as skilled acrobats, tightrope walkers, and illusionists.

Stamps on Zodiac Signs

Date of Issue 5 May 2011

Romfilatelia issued a MS of 6 postage stamps issue on Zodiac signs Part I, illustrating the first six signs.

:Romfilatelia

Club News

Honor for Indian Philatelist

Mr Praful Thakkar’s book Collector's Guide to First Day Covers & Folders of India 1947-1964 Official & Private has been awarded Silver Bronze medal in NAPEX 2011 held at Washington, USA. After Portugal and South Africa, now in USA also the work has been appreciated. Award List is available at following link :

http://www.napex.org/docs/palmares/napex_palmares_2011_combined.pdf

Praful Thakkar is a renowned philatelist from Ahmedabad and retired as Indian Administrative Officer. He is a double Limca Book Record Holder in 2009 for Autographs & Canteen Tokens and indeed is a collector of autographs, stamps, First Day Covers (FDCs), coins, medals, tokens, badges , badge plates etc. and many more collectibles of India since last more than 45 years. For philatelic collectors, he has written Collector's Guide to Covers & Folders of India 1947-1964 - Official & Private. Through this book, he has tried to give a dimension to Philatelic facet of early classic period by cataloging Official FDCs, Private FDCs and Folders of this time.

Thematic Gallery of Indian/World Autographs-Limca Record Holder 2009
http://www.indianautographs.com

Classic Gallery of Indian Numismatics
http://www.indiannumismatics.com