This year’s Christmas stamps offer glimpses into the winter wonderland created by Finnish illustrator Rudolf Koivu. On November 3, Posti will also publish its Independence Day Celebrations stamps.
Stamps celebrate the 100th anniversary of Finnish independence
Finnish Independence Day is traditionally celebrated in the Presidential Palace, and the celebrations are broadcast to the audience via TV. Anssi Kähärä’s Independence Day Celebrations stamps capture some of the most unforgettable moments of the celebrations. The booklet consists of six domestic no-value indicator stamps.
The stamps depict the festively illuminated Presidential Palace, a portrait of four presidents with their spouses, the fitting of a gown designed by Teemu Muurimäki, the president’s handshake and dancing under the chandelier. The popular handshaking is also featured on a stamp that depicts children watching the celebrations on TV, as millions of Finns do every year.
Kähärä is an award-winning graphic designer, and his Snow Castle stamp was selected as the best stamp in Europe in 2017.
The beloved Rudolf Koivu in Christmas stamps
The Christmas stamps feature beloved illustrations by Rudolf Koivu (1890–1946). The artist was known for his children’s books and also illustrated numerous Christmas cards. The stamps were designed by graphic designer Ilkka Kärkkäinen.
“Examining the original illustrations by Rudolf Koivu at the National Archives of Finland was one of the most fascinating moments in my career. The illustrations were excellent, both technically, typographically and in their use of colors. Christmas was clearly close to Rudolf Koivu’s heart, and we chose images that best captured the atmosphere of a traditional Christmas,” Kärkkäinen says.
The Christmas greeting no-value indicator stamps feature elves playing in a Christmas tree, surrounded by candles and cones. The green Christmas Tree booklet contains 20 stamps. Christmas greetings can be mailed inside the red mailing envelope that will be delivered to homes with Postinen on Wednesday November 15. The red mailing envelopes area also available at Posti outlets. Items bearing the Christmas no-value indicator stamp (EUR 0.95) must be mailed by December 12.
The domestic no-value indicator stamps depict Santa Claus and endearing animals. The Holy Night stamp booklet contains ten stamps in tones of blue. Christmas cards equipped with the domestic no-value indicator stamp must be mailed by Wednesday December 20.
H.C. Andersen’s The Snow Queen fairytale adorns international stamps. The ten-stamp booklet contains no-value indicator stamps and Priority labels.
The important mailing dates before Christmas are available on the Christmas section of Posti’s website.
Further information
Posti Ltd
Posti Group Corporation
Image material for the media:
http://digilibrary.posti.com/l/zzprkzmqNPJK
All stamps available for sale are featured in Posti's online shop: www.posti.fi/goshopping.
Posti Group is your first choice in postal, logistics and e-commerce services. We manage the flow of commerce and everyday life in ten countries. Our net sales in 2016 amounted to EUR 1,608 million. We employ approximately 20,500 professionals who serve our customers in Finland under the name Posti and in other countries under the name Itella. All of our services in Finland are carbon neutral. www.posti.com.
© Koodiviidakko Oy - Y-tunnus 1939962-1