BUCHAREST, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- A commemorative sheet of postage stamps celebrating the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, was unveiled on Wednesday at the Central Post Office in Chisinau, Moldova.
Issued by the state-owned Moldova Post in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Moldova, the stamps are part of an ongoing series honoring the Chinese Zodiac.
The green snake-themed design, created by Moldovan artist Natalia Sattarova, features cherry blossoms, a Chinese lantern, and mosaic elements.
Chinese Ambassador to Moldova Yan Wenbin highlighted the snake's cultural significance in China as a symbol of wisdom, luck, and vitality.
"We are continuing a tradition that began in 2024 with the Year of the Dragon stamp, aiming to complete a full 12-year Zodiac cycle," Yan said.
Moldova Post director Violeta Cojocaru emphasized the stamps' cultural value. "These stamps serve as cultural ambassadors, promoting traditions and connecting people globally through collectors and international postal exchanges," she said.
In addition to the stamps, Moldova Post is offering a souvenir sheet and a First Day Cover featuring the same design.
The Year of the Snake stamp is the second installment in Moldova's Lunar New Year Zodiac series, with 60,000 copies printed in this limited edition. ■