USPS Unveils Year of the Snake Stamp for Lunar New Year Celebration
The U.S. Postal Service recently revealed the latest addition to its popular Lunar New Year series, the Year of the Snake stamp, at the historic Boch Center Wang Theatre. Designed to honor the cultural richness and diversity of the Lunar New Year, this stamp marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake on Jan. 29, 2025. Luke Grossmann, the chief financial officer and executive vice president of USPS, dedicated the stamp during a ceremony attended by local and national leaders.
Stamp Details and Availability
Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, collaborated with artist Camille Chew to create the visually striking imagery on the stamp. Inspired by the decorated masks used in Lunar New Year parades, the stamp features a three-dimensional snake mask adorned with spring symbols, gold accents, and colors reflecting the wood element in Chinese culture. The stamp pane includes illustrations of the 12 zodiac animals, complete with gold and orange foil detailing.
The Year of the Snake stamp is now available for purchase in panes of 20 at Post Offices nationwide and online at usps.com. Printed as Forever stamps, they will always be equivalent to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. This commemorative stamp will be in circulation until Feb. 16, 2026, providing ample time for celebrations and usage.
Celebrating the Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year is a significant event celebrated by millions worldwide, marking the second new moon following the winter solstice. Festivities typically include parades, family gatherings, and traditional decorations in red and gold to welcome the new year and ward off evil spirits. This year, the Year of the Snake symbolizes wisdom, depth, and creativity, with those born under this zodiac sign believed to excel in various professions such as music, philosophy, and teaching.
The unveiling ceremony featured performances by the Wah Lum Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy Performance Troupe and singer Juliet Brownell-Lee. Notable attendees included Tiffany Chu, chief of staff for Boston Mayor Michelle Wu; Terri Mock, Board of Directors at BCNC; and Isabel Kim, chief financial officer of the Asian American Foundation (TAAF).
As USPS continues to highlight the cultural significance of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake stamp serves as a reminder of America’s diverse heritage and the importance of fostering understanding and appreciation for different cultures and traditions.
