French Post issues stamps to celebrate Chinese New Year of Ox

La Poste, the French post office, on Saturday issued two stamps to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year of Ox, which falls on Feb. 12 this year.

Chinese artist Chen Jiang Hong signs on the commemorative stamps themed on the Year of the Ox for a customer during the issuing ceremony in Paris, France, Feb. 6, 2021. French postal service company La Poste issued two Year of the Ox stamps in a ceremony here on Saturday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. This year's stamps are designed by Paris-based Chinese artist Chen Jiang Hong. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

One stamp shows a boy holding a plum blossom, riding on the back of a black-and-white bull wearing a big red flower, as if meditating. With a face value of 1.08 euro, it applies to domestic mail in France.

The other, featuring a close profile of a yellow bull, head high, a big bright flower tied to the neck, has a face value of 1.50 euros (1.8 U.S. dollars) for international mail.

"The design means to be an ode to Mother Nature, to show our love and respect," Paris-based Chinese artist Chen Jianghong told Xinhua. "I used many colors, trying to convey a sense of tranquility."

"2020 was an uncommon year as many people lived through difficulties. I hope the Year of Ox will bring more happiness," the designer said.

Since 2005, La Poste has been celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year each year by issuing stamps featuring the year's zodiac animal. This reflects the importance of openness and cultural exchanges, said Philippe Wahl, president and chief executive officer of La Poste, at the issuing ceremony.

The Year of the Ox is the second zodiac sign in the Chinese zodiac cycle. It will start on Feb. 12, 2021 and last until Jan. 31, 2022.

The Chinese Zodiac is represented by 12 animals to record the years and reflect people's attributes, including the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.