Date of Issue : 26 Jan 2008
Postmark : Hong Kong
Denomination : HK$1.40, HK$2.40, HK$3.00 and HK$5.00
Stamp Size : 28 mm x 45 mm
Paper : Paper with Security Fibres
Printing Process : Lithography
Each Chinese lunar year is named after an animal, running in 12-year cycles. The Rat is the first animal in the cycle. In traditional Chinese culture, the Rat is a symbol of intelligence and agility, hence those born in the Year of the Rat are considered to be sharp-witted. Cheerful and amiable, they are able to make friends easily. This stamp issue is from the third zodiac series released by Hongkong Post, with the first and second series issued in 1972 and 1996 respectively.