The 2012 Lunar New Year – Year of the Dragon stamp issue features the revered Dragon from Chinese legend. The Year of the Dragon is considered the luckiest and those born in that year are likely to be brave, tempestuous, powerful, wise and perfectionists.

The stamps show the development of the Chinese character for the Dragon, shown fully in the $1.80 stamp, and the way it is derived from its pictorial representation, shown in the 60c stamp.

Paper cut motifs are used to represent the Dragon in the 60c stamp. Paper cuts are one of the most popular forms of Chinese art and are commonly used to decorate windows, lanterns, mirrors, gates and walls during the Chinese New Year celebrations. The Dragon occupies a special place in the Chinese zodiac, being the only mythical creature among them.

Title: Year of Dragon 2012 – Christmas Island
Date of Issue: 10 January 2012
Country: Australia
Denominations: 60c, $1.80

Source: http://shop.auspost.com.au

Related posts:

1. 2012 Year of the Dragon – New Zealand
2. Year of Dragon 2012 – Philippines
3. Year of the Dragon 2012 – Thailand
4. 2012 Year of the Dragon – Korea
5. Year of the Dragon 2012 – Taiwan