常122 十全十美郵票 / Def.122 Personal Greeting Stamps (Issue of 2004)

##ReadMore##
常122 十全十美郵票 / Def.122 Personal Greeting Stamps (Issue of 2004)
Issued on: 10 Oct, 2004


All Taiwanese hope for good luck, and these ten postage stamps are each based on an expression of auspiciousness: “One Sea of Smooth Sailing,” “Two Lions Bring Good Fortune,” “Three ‘Suns’ (or Goats, its Chinese Homophone) of Auspiciousness,” “Safety in All Four Seasons,” “Five Blessings at the Door,” “Six is Silky Smooth,” “Married for Seven Lives,” “Eight Immortals Wish for Your Longevity,” “Nine Means Success,” and “Ten is All-Around Perfection.” With these commonly used auspicious expressions and matching novel designs, these stamps are great for sending greetings to friends or family members before they go on a long trips; to elders so as to convey wishes for their longevity; to someone when they have a new baby, get admitted to new school or get hired for a new job; to someone who passes an entrance exam, gets married or promoted; or even for just ordinary correspondence.


為積極推展個人化郵票，續以1到10的吉祥語彙，以篆章印記搭配具象實物如帆船、吉祥動、植物，從獅、龍、蝙蝠、到瓜、果、花卉及人偶、八仙彩、食材等，發行「十全十美郵票」，面值分別為3.5元、5元各10枚。
個人化郵票已先後推出祝福郵票、結緣郵票及好言好語郵票，此種為顧客量身訂作的郵票，可作郵資使用，亦可自行珍藏，或選擇適當的祝福語及圖案寄送親友，適時表達個人溫馨的關懷，也彰顯郵票圖案與自己照片結合的個人品味。
祈 祥納福是國人的共同願望，十全十美郵票選取民間常見的吉祥話語：一帆風順、雙獅獻瑞、三陽開泰、四季平安、五福臨門、六六大順、七世姻緣、八仙仰壽、九轉 成功、十全十美等為主題，加上新穎的圖案，無論是親友遠行，長輩祝壽、添丁生子、就學就業、金榜題名、結婚、升官或一般書信往來，都可透過適當主題留下美 好的回憶。

Reference:
Chunghwa Post Co., Ltd.

常120 結緣郵票(91年版) / Def 120 Personal Greeting Stamps(Issue of 2002)

##ReadMore##
常120 結緣郵票(91年版) / Def 120 Personal Greeting Stamps(Issue of 2002)
Issued on: 22 Nov, 2002

The 10 stamps represent 10 auspicious words in Chinese. They mean many happy returns of the day, have a nice day, incur the wealth and gather the money, happiness comes generously to you, flowers in full bloom symbolize affluence and nobility, conclude the predestined match, promoting to a higher position, abundance throughout the year, the gold and jade full of the house, etc.

首套個人化郵票—祝福郵票推出之後甚受集郵公眾歡迎。為便利公眾運用及業務需要， 本局續以中國結為圖案主題，印製第2套個人化郵票，訂名「結緣郵票」。郵票面值分別為 3元5角、5元及25元，以變更底色區分。

結繩紀事，是先民偉大的智慧發明，中國結運用多元結式呈現雍容典雅、變化萬千，更傳達出人我間難能可貴的緣份。結緣郵票以10種不同形式的中國結分別表示中華民族特有之吉利口采：萬壽長春、四季如意、招財進寶、吉祥納福、花開富貴、締結良緣、步步高昇、 吉慶有餘、金玉滿堂、福增貴子等，當親友間有喜慶，將問候與祝福透過「結緣郵票（個人化郵票）」之傳遞，使寄件者與收件者之緣份更緊密的結合在一起。

Reference:
Chunghwa Post Co., Ltd

特486 兒童畫郵票(95年版) / Sp.486 Children’s Drawings Postage Stamps (Issue of 2006)

##ReadMore##
特486 兒童畫郵票(95年版) / Sp.486 Children’s Drawings
Issued on: 4 Apr, 2006

So as to encourage youths to engage in positive leisure activities that lead to healthy bodies and minds, raise the quality of life, encourage artistic creation, cultivate aesthetic sensibility among ROC children, and promote the development of art education, Chunghwa Post sponsored a national children’s drawing and stamp design competition during April and May 2005. The winning entries will be the subjects of postage stamps. The competition included four age groups: kindergarten, lower elementary, middle elementary and upper elementary. There were 22,000 entries in total. ROC professional artists were invited to be the judges and to select five gold medal works from each age group. The twenty winners were Chen Jou-han, Chou Tzu-hsuan, Chung Kuo-shuang, Chiu Chun-ying, Hsu Cheng-yu, Liao Pei-chi, Tung Yu-ting, Yang Shuang-wei, Chen Shih-yen, Hung Hao-wei, Yeh Hai-yin, Ko Hao-jen, Shuai Chien-an, Li Pei-ying, Chiu Yu-hsiu, Lu Pei-yu, Liu Yu-han, Chen Min-chi, Hung Wei-tzu and Tu Ya-chu. Using the winning artworks of these 20 children, Chunghwa Post is issuing a set of 20 postage stamps in se-tenant format. All of these stamps will have denominations of NT$5.00.


為提倡青少年正當休閒活動，陶冶身心，提昇生活品質，鼓勵美術創作，培養國內兒童美學素養及美育發展，本公司於94年4、5月間舉辦全國兒童創意寫生暨郵 票圖案繪畫比賽，甄選兒童畫作為郵票圖案。是項比賽分為幼稚園、國小低年級、國小中年級及國小高年級共4組，參賽作品計達22,000件，經邀請國內美術 專業人士擔任評審，每組各選出金牌獎作品5幅，共計20幅，得獎者姓名依組別順序分別為陳柔含、周子琁、鍾國双、邱俊穎、徐承裕、廖珮琪、董鈺婷、楊雙瑋、陳詩諺、洪浩維、葉海音、柯皓仁、帥見侒、李佩穎、邱郁琇、盧佩渝、劉玉涵、陳旻琪、洪維紫、杜雅筑。經以上述榮獲金牌獎之20幅作品作為郵票圖案，以20枚連刷方式印製郵票1組，面值均為5元。

Refernce:
Chunghwa Post Co., Ltd.

特483 臺灣茶藝郵票 / Sp. 483 Taiwan Tea Ceremony Postage Stamps

##ReadMore##
特483 臺灣茶藝郵票 / Sp. 483 Taiwan Tea Ceremony Postage Stamps
Issued on: 26 Jan, 2006

Taiwan’s warm and humid climate makes it highly suitable for growing world-famous top-quality teas, such as Oolong and Baojhong. Drinking tea is different from drinking other common beverages. The people of Taiwan consider the drinking of tea a “lifestyle art.” It is regarded as a refined leisure activity, good for the body and mind, and promoting friendships and social life. The tea ceremony now popular in Taiwan emphasizes an appreciation of tea’s colors, smells and tastes as well as the brewing techniques that perfect them. These techniques involve the choice of tea sets and other utensils to make tea, the control of water temperature, the amount of tea leaves used and the time used for brewing. These skills require much study and practice, as well as familiarity with the different brewing methods used for different kinds of tea. With these, the pleasure from drinking tea is raised to a new level.

Today, when the art of drinking tea is widely celebrated, this set of five “Taiwan Tea Ceremony Postage Stamps” features the five steps in the traditional gongfu tea ceremony: preparing the tea set and warming the pot, placing the tea leaves in the pot and rinsing them, pouring hot water over the pot and warming the cups, drying the outside of the pot and pouring the tea, and smelling and drinking the brewed tea. Each of these stamps has denomination of NT$5.00.


台灣氣候潤濕暖和，生產各種品質優異的茶葉，如烏龍茶、包種茶等馳名世界。茶與一般飲料不同，國人常以「生活藝術」來飲茶，是一種高雅的休閒活動，具有健康身體、修心養性、增進社交友誼的作用。現在台灣社會流行的「茶藝」，在享受茶的色、香、味，講究沖泡技巧，使茶香、茶味和湯色都能盡善盡美，這些沖泡技巧包括泡茶器具的選用、水溫的控制、茶葉用量和沖泡時間的調配等，都必須是愛茶人士揣摩演練，並熟悉不同茶葉的沖泡技巧後才能享受真正的品茗樂趣。
在飲茶藝術被大力推廣的今天，本組「臺灣茶藝郵票」以古傳統中最具風味的「功夫泡茶法」為主題，依據泡茶之順序「備具 溫壺」、「置茶 溫潤」、「沖壺 溫杯」、「乾壺 分茶」、「聞香 品茗」製作郵票1組5枚，面值均為5元。

Reference:
Chunghwa Post Co., Ltd.

常125 旅行郵票 / Def.125 Personal Greeting Stamps - Travel

##ReadMore##
常125 旅行郵票 / Def.125 Personal Greeting Stamps - Travel
Issued on: 30 Jun, 2006

I guess they are Taroko, the canoe of Tao, Danchuei Fishermen's Whart, Liuchiu Islet, and Alishan Forest Railway.




Personal greeting stamps are customized postage stamps with their own themes. Besides serving as postage, these stamps also make wonderful gifts or keepsakes. So as to provide its customers with more design options, Chunghwa Post is issuing yet another set of personal greeting stamps centered on travel. Customers may now share the sweetest moments of their trips with family members and friends by sending items of mail affixed with a combination of a favorite trip photo and a travel stamp. Five of the stamps will have denominations of NT$3.50 and the other five denominations of NT$5.00.

As lifestyles have changed, travel has become a popular leisure activity. Apart from broadening one's horizons, travel helps people to release pressure and recharge their batteries. As transportation has become convenient and fast, the world truly has become a global village, enabling people to take on a more wide-ranging perspective. This set of stamps features beautiful scenic spots in Taiwan. Themes include "Captivating and Moving," "Capturing Taiwan's Beauty," "Writing Down Unforgettable Memories," "Enjoying Carefree Moods" and "Looking Forward to the Next Trip." Via paper, pen and camera, one is able to record what one sees and feels on a trip, creating beautiful memories for life.

The non-personalized travel stamps available at post office branches will be printed in a format of 20 stamps per sheet. The personalized ones, to meet customers' individual needs, will be printed in a format of ten NT$3.50 stamps or ten NT$5.00 stamps per sheet (A4), both featuring two each of all five designs. For the background color, customers can choose between white and off-white. The name for each stamp is printed in the upper left corner. The stamps will be printed in two rows, on the far left and far right. The tabs in between and the empty space around the stamps will be left for customers' own designs.


個人化郵票係為顧客量身訂製具有專屬主題之郵票，除了可當作郵資使用，更廣泛作為個人珍藏及致贈親友之紀念性票品。中華郵政公司為提供顧客更多元的個人化郵票樣式，續以旅遊休閒為主題規劃「旅行郵票」，俾供顧客選取旅遊最具紀念性的照片結合郵票圖案，製作嶄新的個人化郵票寄送親友，分享旅遊甜美回憶，面值分別為新台幣3.5元及5元各5枚。

由於生活型態的改變，「旅行」已成為普及化的休閒活動，不但能夠增廣見聞，更能紓解壓力，找尋生命新動力；尤其便捷的交通，世界地球村空間因此大幅縮短，使得人們的視野無限延伸。本組郵票圖案選取台灣秀麗的景點為背景，以「裝滿美好感動」、「拍下臺灣美景」、「寫下難忘回憶」、「享受自由心情」、「期待再次出發」為主題，透過相機與紙筆記錄旅途之見聞與感觸，鋪陳人生美好的回憶。

本組郵票規劃全張20枚印製供各局窗口出售；另套印個人化郵票部分，為滿足顧客設計版面需求，3.5元及5元面值，均以上述5種主題各2枚合印1全張(A4），有白底及淡米黃底2種款式供顧客選用；版面設計上，將郵票名稱置於左上角，郵票分列左右2邊，中間附籤票及周邊留白處供顧客設計使用。

References:

Chunghwa Post Co., Ltd.

TW-95480

##ReadMore##
Country: United States of America
Username: gokatpix
Sent on: 22 Oct, 2009
Received on: 30 Oct, 2009
Description: STILL LIFE WITH APPLES

1897, by Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954). Oil on canvas. Private collection. (Art Resource, New York)

特524 臺灣原住民文化郵票（續）/ Sp.524 Taiwan’s Aboriginal Culture Postage Stamps（Continued）

##ReadMore##
特524 臺灣原住民文化郵票（續）/ Sp.524 Taiwan’s Aboriginal Culture Postage Stamps（Continued）
Issued on: 1 Aug, 2008

Having issued “Taiwan’s Aboriginal Culture” (which featured the festivals of nine different tribes on April 22, 1999), this Post is following up with another set that showcases unique traditional tribal objects, including a Paiwan earthenware pot, an Ami lover’s bag, a Rukai men’s headdress, and a Bunun men’s neck ornament. The Post has asked Sun Ta-chuan, professor of the Graduate Institute of Taiwan Literature of National Chengchi University and former vice-chairman of the Executive Yuan’s Council of Indigenous Peoples, to be the planning consultant. These stamps will be released on August 1, 2008. The designs follow:

1. Paiwan Earthenware Pot (NT$5.00): Paiwan society has a strictly delineated structure, and the quality and number of earthenware pots owned by a noble family demonstrate the family’s social status and influence. This stamp features a pot with male and female patterns. A hermaphroditic pot is considered the noblest of all earthenware pots and is usually placed in the most sacred spot in a home. It must be carried with both hands, and grabbing its mouth is considered taboo.

2. Ami Lover’s Bag (NT$12.00): This is a common accessory of the Ami, and bags of this kind are also called betel nut bags or messenger bags. Women usually make them for their children or lovers. Today, they have become bound up with Ami cultural identity and are regarded as necessary accessories for all members of the tribe during harvest ceremonies and other important activities. The correct way to carry the bag is across the body, with the strap on the left shoulder and the bag on the right hip.

3. Rukai Men’s Headdress (NT$12.00): The headdresses of Rukai are richly varied and representative of the tribe. Accents made from different materials connote different meanings and social statuses. A lily blossom, symbolic of chaste women and heroic hunters, is the most respected accent of all. A feather on a headdress denotes high social status; a person can only wear such a headdress openly after receiving commensurate formal recognition from the tribe.

4. Bunun Men’s Neck Ornament (NT$25.00): Bunun men wear two kinds of neck ornaments: chokers and necklaces. The stamp features a choker. Chokers were made of square shells or a combination of square shells, shell beads and beads. Chokers have ties at the back. The most common figure used in Bunun neck ornaments is the hundred-pace snake, woven in diamond, triangle, strip, or checker patterns.


繼民國88年4月22日前郵政總局以各族的祭典為主題，發行「臺灣原住民文化郵票」後，本公司續以原住民族具特色的傳統器物—排灣族陶壺、阿美族情人袋、魯凱族男子頭飾及布農族男子頸飾為主題，發行「臺灣原住民文化郵票(續)」1組4枚。本組郵票規劃諮詢顧問為前行政院原住民委員會副主委、國立政治大學臺灣文學研究所孫大川教授，預定於97年8月1日發行。茲將本組郵票圖案簡介如下：

一、排灣族 陶壺（面值5元）：在排灣族嚴密的階級社會，擁有陶壺的等級高低和數量多寡，顯示貴族的地位和勢力。本枚郵票圖案為陰陽壺，兼具母壺與公壺紋飾，是陶壺中最尊貴者，平時擺放在家中最神聖地方，必要拿取陶壺時，須以雙手捧持，切忌直接抓取壺口。

二、阿美族 情人袋（面值12元）：情人袋在阿美族的社會，非常普遍，或稱攜物袋、檳榔袋、佩袋，一般皆由女子製作，送給子女或情人，現在演變成參加豐年祭或重要活動時，必須佩戴的配件，並成為阿美族集體認同的重要標誌。背情人袋的正確方式是由左往右下斜背。

三、魯凱族 男子頭飾（面值12元）：魯凱族的頭飾富變化性與代表性，因材料不同，而有不同的意義與限制，其中以百合花飾最為神聖，百合花不僅代表婦女的貞潔，也是魯凱族狩獵英雄的象徵。插在頭冠的羽毛象徵崇高的社會地位，須經族人認同功勳後，才能公開佩戴。

四、布農族 男子頸飾（面值25元）：布農族男子頸飾有兩種形式：一種稱「頸帶」，另一種為「頸鍊」，本枚郵票圖案為頸帶，以方貝串連，或方貝、貝珠與燒珠等穿綴而成，從頸前緊繫至頸後。紋飾圖案以百步蛇圖案最為普遍，織成菱形紋、三角紋、條紋或方格紋。

I didn't buy the last one. If you want to see it, just click the title or here.


References:
Chunghwa Post Co., Ltd

特440地方戲曲郵票—歌仔戲(遊戲)（91年版) / Regional Opera Series-Taiwanese Opera (Games) Postage Stamps

##ReadMore##
特440地方戲曲郵票—歌仔戲(遊戲)（91年版) / Regional Opera Series-Taiwanese Opera (Games) Postage Stamps
Issued on: 25 Oct, 2002

To enhance our fellow countrymen's understanding of Taiwanese opera and to celebrate Taiwanese culture, the Directorate General of Posts is once again releasing a set of four stamps on the theme of Taiwanese Opera. Each of the stamps features a famous repertoire in one type of performance locale. The designs of the four stamps follow:

1. Liang Shan-po and Chu Ying-tai Street Performance:
At the very beginnings of the development of the Taiwanese opera, people, when they were not busy with farm work, would often recite and sing to entertain themselves. At first, there were only male performers wearing everyday clothes. Later, they added some theatrical movements and started putting on some simple make-up, and the females started to perform too. Liang Shan-po and Cliu Ying-tai was one of the most popular repertoires in those days.

2. Hsuech Ting-shan and Fan Li-hua-indoor Performance:
From the end of World War II, when the Japanese left Taiwan, to the early sixties, indoor performance was the most popular form of entertainment. In those days, the dozen or so theaters that regularly put on Taiwanese operas could all accommodate six to eight hundred people. Hsueh Ting-shan and Fan Li-hua is a love story with martial arts movements and fancy special effects, and so was very popular at that time.

3. Hsueh Ping-kuei and Wang Pao-chuan-Outdoor Stage Performance:
From the late sixties through the seventies, with the rise of movies and televisions, Taiwanese operas were forced outdoors. At first, due to its strong local flavor, it was still popular. Later, price wars drove down the quality of performances, and Taiwanese opera started to fade from view. The story of Hsueh Ping-kuei and Wang Pao-chuan, where Wang waits in her cave dwelling for Hsueh to return for 18 years, was sort of like the situation of Taiwanese opera at that time.

4. The Living Buddha Chikung-Modern Theater:
In 1983, a Taiwanese opera company performed at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. Their combination of traditional drama and modern theater got an enthusiastic response. Excellent Taiwanese opera companies started to sprout up one after another. The Living Buddha Chikung combined modern theater, sound and light effects, movie production methods, and ample body movements (including flying stunts with actors attached to cables). These turned a love story into a touching, interesting and festive drama.


為增進國人對歌仔戲之認識，發揚本土文化，本局續以膾炙人口的戲碼為主題，以 不同的演出型態貫穿，印製「地方戲曲郵票—歌仔戲（遊戲）」1組4枚。

茲將郵票圖案簡介如下：

(1)梁山伯與祝英台—落地掃：歌仔戲發展之初，農閒時人們經常以簡單樂器伴奏，說說唱唱 自娛娛人，初期以男性演員為主，穿著一般服飾，後來才簡單化妝，加入一些身段，並有女 性扮演。「梁山伯與祝英台」為當時最受歡迎的戲碼之一。

(2) 薛丁山與樊梨花—內台戲：光復之後，到50年代初期，內台戲是最受喜愛的娛樂活動， 當時台北市經常演出歌仔戲的十餘家戲院，均可容納600至800人。 西洋風流行時，台上並有 穿著花俏演奏西洋音樂。「薛丁山與樊梨花」集男女情愛、武打動作、排山倒海等聲光效果 於一身，當時非常受歡迎。

(3)薛平貴與王寶釧—外台戲：50年代末期到60年代，由於電影、電視興起，歌仔戲被迫 走出戶外搭起野台演出。初期因草根性仍受歡迎，其後因銷價競爭而影響品質，開始沒落。 「薛平貴與王寶釧」戲碼中，王寶釧苦守寒窯18年的故事，頗能形容歌仔戲當時的情境。

(4) 濟公活佛—現代劇場：民國72年，歌仔戲進入國父紀念館演出，傳統戲劇與現代劇場 的結合，引起熱烈迴響，優秀的歌仔戲團也相繼嶄露頭角。「濟公活佛」這 部舞台歌仔戲， 結合現代戲劇、聲光、電影製作手法、空中飛人特效和豐富的肢體動作，將一個愛情故事發 展成一個既感人又有趣、熱鬧的戲劇。


There are 4 stamps as a set. But I only bought this one. I can't find the other stamps of this set. If you want to see the other 3 stamps, just click here.


References:
Chunghwa Post Co., Ltd

紀307 2007解嚴20週年紀念郵票 / Com.307 2007 20th Anniversary of the Lifting of Martial Law Commemorative Issue

##ReadMore##
紀307 2007解嚴20週年紀念郵票 / Com.307 2007 20th Anniversary of the Lifting of Martial Law Commemorative Issue
Issued on: 15 Jul, 2007

On May 19, 1949, Chen Cheng, the Taiwan provincial governor and director general of Taiwan Garrison Command, declared martial law, which went into effect the next day. Martial law infringed upon human rights and impeded the development of constitutional democracy. In step with Taiwan’s economic and social development and growing understanding about human rights, and in order to promote democratic constitutional reform, on July 14, 1987, the late president Chiang Ching-kuo gave an order to end the state of martial law, which went into effect the next day. The formal lifting of martial law also represented a step forward in Taiwan’s evolution toward democracy. 2007 is the 20th anniversary of the lifting of martial law. To commemorate this event, this post is issuing a commemorative stamp featuring the lifting of restrictions on newspapers, political parties and freedom of speech. The stamp will have a denomination of NT$12.


民國38年5月19日臺灣省政府主席兼臺灣省警備總司令陳誠先生頒布戒嚴令，公告臺灣自38年5月20日零時起實施戒嚴，臺灣從此進入戒嚴時期。戒嚴限制 了憲法賦予人民的權益，影響民主憲政的發展。隨著社會經濟發展的演變，人權法治思想的普及，為推動民主憲政改革，蔣故總統經國先生於民國76年7月14日 明令宣布，自76年7月15日零時起解嚴，正式解除長達30餘年的戒嚴，也為臺灣民主改革踏出歷史性的一步。本（96）年適逢解嚴20週年，本公司配合規 劃以解嚴後開放報禁、黨禁及言論自由為主題，發行「2007解嚴20週年紀念郵票」1枚，面值新台幣12元，以資紀念。


References:
Chunghwa Post Co., Ltd

特461_3 臺灣民間藝陣郵票 / Sp.461_3 Yijhen: Taiwanese Folk Art Performance Postage Stamps

##ReadMorte##
特461_3 臺灣民間藝陣郵票 / Sp.461_3 Yijhen: Taiwanese Folk Art Performance Postage Stamps
Issued on: 11 May, 2004

A staple of temple fairs and religious festivals, yijhen, a general category of various traditional Taiwanese folk art performances, is gradually fading from view due to the industrialization and modernization of society. Yet the sight of yijhen never fails to evoke warm memories of childhood. In order to give ROC nationals a deeper understanding about the island of Taiwan, Chunghwa Post is issuing a set of four stamps entitled “Yijhen: Taiwanese Folk Art Performance.”

In traditional Taiwanese society yijhen folk art performance played an important role in the cultural life of the common people. In the agricultural society of yesteryear, it was used in rituals to express people’s gratitude to the gods during temple fairs and religious processions and was also used as entertainment for the common folk. During the Ming and the Ching Dynasties, the early Han Chinese settlers brought yijhen with them

when they made the journey from mainland China across the strait to Taiwan. In the 400 years since, yijhen has developed into something that has both preserved its traditional Chinese spirit and yet also taken on the flavor of its locale. During the period of early settlement, Taiwan was a dangerous place, and some yijhen troupes had become self-defense organizations for their locales. The prevalence of religious activities fueled the development of folk dramas and yijhen. Apart from being entertaining, yijhen also functioned as a tool of education and as a defense mechanism that fostered solidarity among the people. Traditionally, a procession is held symbolizing a god or gods making an inspection tour of his or her territory on the eve of the god’s birthday or an important temple ceremony. During this kind of procession, local temples and businesses invite yijhen folk art performance troupes to join the parade. Most of these yijhen performers are amateurs and composed of people from the local communities.

(3) The Drum Dance: the “Drum Dance” is the most energetic and rhythmic of all Taiwanese folk art performances. All about drumming and jumping, it is also called the Drum Flower Dance, Big Drum Flower or Playing the Big Drum. A troupe is normally composed of eight people, although there are also larger troupes of several dozen people. The performance is divided into the flags, the drums, the parasols and the gongs. It is mostly performed in a square-like formation, with the drums in the middle, the parasols in the front and back, and the gongs at the four corners. Movements are rhythmic and exacting. These are popular performances during temple fairs.


藝陣是民間廟會喜慶不可或缺的民俗表演藝術，在工業社會的衝擊下，儘管它已逐漸從人們的生活中褪色，但任何時候看到這項傳統民俗，都能令人勾起親切的童年記憶。為了讓在地人對在地生活有更深一層的體認，本公司特印製「臺灣民間藝陣郵票」1組4枚。
臺灣的傳統藝陣，在常民的文化生活裡，扮演著一個重要角色，在舊時農業社會裡，它是迎神賽會酬謝神明恩典的儀禮，多采多姿的表演是常民大眾的主要娛樂。明 清之際，先民渡海來臺，也將民間藝陣同時傳遞來台灣，歷經4百年的衍演發展，各種藝陣不只保存傳統民族文化的精神，也呈現著本土的風貌。臺灣在移民初期治 安不良，有些藝陣就成為地方自衛組茲將本組郵票圖案簡介如下：

(3)跳鼓陣：跳鼓陣是臺灣民間最具活力與動感的陣頭，以擊鼓及跳躍為表演內容，又稱鼓花陣、大鼓花、大鼓弄等。成員一般以8人為基準，也有數十人的大隊 伍。分為頭旗、大鼓、涼傘、銅鑼等，表演時多作方形陣，大鼓居中，涼傘在前後，銅鑼分四角，表演俐落活潑，充滿節奏感，是廟會裡很受歡迎的陣頭。

There are 4 stamps as a set. But I only bought this one. I can't find the other stamps of this set. If you want to see the other 3 stamps, just click here. The following is the description of the 3 stamps.


(1) The Eight Generals: the “Eight Generals” can actually be performed by four, six, eight or more than ten persons. An eight-person troupe is the most common—hence the name. The “Eight Generals” is a solemn and mysterious troupe, employing the Four Gate, Seven Star or Eight Trigram battle arrays to capture goblins and monsters, so as to protect the people and keep the area safe.

(2) The Song Jiang Battle Array: the “Song Jiang Battle Array” is the largest and most impressive religious martial art troupe in Taiwan and it is very popular in Southern Taiwan. It is typically composed of 36 members, but some have 42, 56 or 72 members. In recent years, the Tourism Bureau has especially designated the “Song Jiang Battle Array” performed by troupes from Neimen Rural Township, Kaohsiung County as a unique local travel attraction. And troupes from Neimen have represented Taiwan several times in performance art exchanges in mainland China.

(4) Stilt Walking: also called stilt stepping, stilt walking takes real skill and a lot of practice. It is generally divided into the categories of theatrical stilt walking, which emphasizes singing and facial expressions, and martial arts stilt walking, which features all sorts of stunts and martial art movements. Most of these stilts are under three feet high, and these are called short stilts. Stilts over three feet high are called tall stilts.


(1)八家將：八家將只是一種泛稱，實際上成員有4人、6人、8人，也有10人以上的陣，最常見的是8人陣，故名之。八家將是一種嚴肅、神秘的陣頭，於神明出巡時，協助緝拿妖魔鬼怪，以四門陣、七星步、八卦陣等陣法攻擊和圍捕，使鬼魂無所遁形，以求安民保境。

(2)宋江陣：宋江陣是臺灣最大且最具聲勢的宗教性武術陣頭，流行於南部地區。最普遍的是36人陣，也有42人陣或56人陣，最多有72人陣。近幾年來，觀光局特別將內門宋江陣定為地方特色旅遊，數度代表臺灣至中國大陸參加交流表演。

(4)高蹺陣：高蹺陣又稱踏蹺陣，是一種講求功夫的陣頭，必須經過長時間的練習。大致可分為著重唱功表情的文高蹺和以特技打拳為主的武高蹺2種。一般所見的高蹺，多在3尺以下，稱為短高蹺，高達3尺以上者，則稱之為長高蹺。

References:
Chunghwa Post Co., Ltd.

紀309 世界童軍百週年紀念郵票 / Com. 309 Centenary of World Scouting Commemorative Issue

##ReadMore##
紀309 世界童軍百週年紀念郵票 / Com. 309　Centenary of World Scouting Commemorative Issue
Issued on: 28 Nov, 2007

The Scout Movement started in 1907, so 2007 marks the 100th anniversary of world scouting. To celebrate a new century of scouting, Taiwan Post is specially issuing a “Centenary of World Scouting Commemorative Issue” stamp with a denomination of NT$12.00. The design of this stamp conforms to the spirit of the centenary of scouting, which has a focus on the concepts of promise and world peace. The stamp features a dove, which is a symbol of passion, freedom and peace. Scout rope is used to write out “100” and to encircle the emblems of the World Organization of the Scout Movement and the Scouts of R.O.C., symbolizing that Taiwan is marching forward in step with the world. The blue and green colors of the stamp convey the environmental spirit of the scouts, showing how scouts coexist with nature and conveying a new image of scouting for the new century. To add to the fun and the stamp’s value as a collector’s item, it will be printed in the shape of a rhombus.


世界童軍運動始於1907年，2007年適逢百週年，本公司為紀念童軍新世紀的到來，特規劃發行「世界童軍百週年紀念郵票」1枚，面值為新台幣12元。本 組郵票圖案設計係遵循世界童軍百週年紀念活動的精神，以同心許諾、世界大同的概念出發；主視覺和平鴿，展現出熱情自由及愛好和平的意象。童軍繩圍成100 週年字樣，並圈起世界童軍組織與我國童軍的標誌，象徵臺灣與世界同步的緊密連結。圖案色彩採天然的藍、綠色系，傳達童軍的環保精神，更彰顯童軍與大自然共 存的生態情懷，傳達出童軍百週年的新形象。為增添郵票的收藏價值及趣味性，本組郵票特別設計為正菱形。


Reference:
Chunghwa Post Co., Ltd.

特532 古物郵票（98年版）/ Sp. 532 Ancient Chinese Art Treasures Postage Stamps (Issue of 2009)

##ReadMore##
特532 古物郵票（98年版）/ Sp. 532 Ancient Chinese Art Treasures Postage Stamps (Issue of 2009)
Issued on: 20 Jul, 2009

To spread understanding about the beauty of ancient Chinese artifacts, Chunghwa Post is issuing a set of four stamps and a souvenir sheet on ancient articrafts from the National Palace Museum collection. Two of the stamps have denominations of NT$5.00, and two denominations of NT$12.00. The souvenir sheet consists of the 4 above-mentioned stamps. The designs follow:

1. A Pair of Gold Gourds, Qing Dynasty, 18th Century (NT$5.00): The surface of these gold bottle gourds features a lacy design of intertwining flowers, leaves and tiny bottle gourds. There are three leaves sticking out from the stem of each gourd. These gourds have two detachable parts. The upper parts fit over lips at the tops of the lower sections. In Chinese, larger fruits produced by vines are called gua, whereas smaller fruits of vines are called die. Because the bottle gourd continually fruits and flowers, it is associated with the Chinese expression “mian mian gua die,” which is used to describe a family with abundant descendants.

2. Gold Bowl Used Personally by the Qianlong Emperor, Qing Dynasty (1736-1795) (NT$5.00): The interior of the bowl is smooth and unadorned, while the exterior is densely embellished with small millet-shaped beads set into a pattern of pomegranates, flowers, and leaves. The result is dazzling and exuberant. On the bottom, inside the ring foot, there are four traced-standard-script characters carved in intaglio: Qianlong Yuyong (“for the personal use of Emperor Qianlong”).

3. Mughal Empire Large Round Urn with Inlay Ca. 17th-18th Century (NT$12.00): The body of the urn is covered with hexagonal plates of bluish white jade. Metal wire inlay may have been present originally between the jade pieces although no trace remains. The jade pieces are inlaid with rubies, emeralds, topazes and brown gemstones set in gold wire.

4. Gilt Ewer with Cloud and Dragon Decor, Qing Dynasty (NT$12.00): This pot, in the shape of a bottle gourd, has a long spout and a long handle, to which the lid is chained. Four seal script characters—wan shou wu jiang (“may you live forever”)—and dragons are carved in relief on the belly of the gourd. The Chinese words for bottle gourd (hulu) sound similar to the words for good fortune and prosperity (fu lu). Consequently, a gourd bearing the four characters described above conveys the idea of “good fortune, prosperity and longevity” (“fu lu shou”), three words that are commonly regarded as life’s greatest blessings in Chinese culture. This was an imperial wine vessel used by Qing Dynasty emperors.


為闡揚我國歷代文物之美，特以國立故宮博物院庋藏之文物為主題，發行「古物郵票（98年版）」1組4枚及小全張1張；郵票面值為新臺幣5元及12元各2枚，小全張為新台幣34元。茲簡介本組郵票圖案如下：

一、清 十八世紀 子孫萬代金葫蘆一對（面值5元）：器身葫蘆形，器壁鏤雕纏繞的花葉及小葫蘆。上端瓜蒂旁立雕捲藤及小葉3片，器身中腰處似子母口般上下套接。大者稱瓜，小者為瓞，葫蘆瓜蔓末端不斷開花結實。以「綿綿瓜瓞」比喻子孫繁盛、傳世萬代。

二、清 乾隆御用金碗(面值5元)：金碗內壁光素，外壁石榴、花、葉紋飾之間，滿布繁密之粟形小粒金珠，炫目華麗。碗底圈足內陰刻雙鉤楷書款：「乾隆御用」四字。

三、蒙兀兒帝國 十七至十八世紀 帶鑲嵌圓腹大罐(面值12元)：器腹上貼有六角形青白玉片，每片之間可能原嵌有金屬絲，目前均已脫落。白玉片上以金絲鑲嵌紅、綠、黃、褐等各色寶石。

四、清 鍍金雲龍紋萬壽無疆蒲蘆式壺（面值12元）：蒲蘆是葫蘆的別稱，此壺器身作葫蘆形，有長流及把柄，以鍊與蓋頂相連。壺腹上錘鏨陽文篆書「萬」、「壽」、「無」、「疆」以及雲龍紋飾，結合葫蘆造形，寓意「福祿壽」，為清代皇帝御用酒器。


Reference:
Chunghwa Post Co., Ltd.

TW-55955

##ReadMore##
Country: Germany
Username: Nanny_Ogg
Sent on: 19 May, 2009
Received on: 26 May, 2009
Description: 陽明山國家公園 / Yangmingshan National Park

This park is situated at the northeastern edge of the Taipei Basin in the northern Taiwan. The park is at the center of the Tatunshan volcanoes.

位於臺灣北端的富貴角北海岸與台北盆地間，涵蓋了大屯火山群全面區域。

TW-55926

##ReadMore##
Country: Finland
Username: Blue_Sky
Sent on: 19 May, 2009
Received on: 25 May, 2009
Description: 五峰旗瀑布 / Wn Fun Je Waterfall

This site is about three km from Chiaochi railroad station. It is three-layer waterfall, about five meters in width and 200 meters in length.

距礁溪車站約三公里，瀑布有三層，上層由峽谷奔瀉直入岩石，再折穿形成中層瀑布，下層約二十公尺，由中層瀑布散失之水匯聚而成。

to cyberwee (MY) 04

##ReadMore##
Country: Malaysia
Username: cyberwee
Sent on: 3 Sep, 2009
Received on:
Description: 綠斑鳳蝶 / Graphium agamemnon (Linnaeus)

Graphium agamemnon (Linnaeus) : Females and males have identical wing patterns. The male has black wings with four vertical rows of yellowish green spots on each wing. There is a fuzzy gray brand in the fold at the inner edge of the hindwings. Females lack the brand and are larger than males.

綠斑鳳蝶：雌雄斑紋相同，雄蝶翅底為黑色，前翅背面有四列縱向黃綠色斑，後翅背面斑紋及顏色與前翅相同，內緣反褶部分有灰色之長絨毛狀性標；雌蝶無性標，體型也比雄蝶略大。

to cyberwee (MY) 03

##ReadMore##
Country: Malaysia
Username: cyberwee
Sent on: 3 Sep, 2009
Received on:
Description: 柑橘鳳蝶 / Papilio xuthus Linnaeus

Papilio xuthus Linnaeus: It has dark brown wings, although the coloration in females is somewhat lighter. There is a pale yellow crescent (lunule) behind the forewings and hindwings, and there are some light yellow markings near the base of the hindwings. The males and females are similar in appearance except for some obvious orange markings on either side of the bluish gray band on the underside of females’ hindwings. In addition, there is a black spot on the front edge of males’ hindwings, which is absent in females.


柑橘鳳蝶：翅呈黑褐色，雌蝶顏色較淺；前後翅有淡黃色新月紋，後翅翅基附近有淡黃色斑塊。雄雌蝶外型相似，惟雌蝶後翅腹面在藍灰色帶兩側交疊有明顯的橙黃色斑；此外，雄蝶在後翅背面前緣有黑斑點，雌蝶則無。

to cyberwee (MY) 02

##ReadMore##
Country: Malaysia
Username: cyberwee
Sent on: 3 Sep, 2009
Received on:
Description: 黃裳鳳蝶 / Troides aeacus formosanus Rothschild

Troides aeacus formosanus Rothschild: The male has black wings, and the bright yellow markings on the upperside and underside of its hindwings are larger than those of the female. There is a row of black saw-tooth markings on the outer margin of its hindwings and some red markings on its thorax. Females are larger than males, with broader forewings and a complicated yellow and black pattern on their hindwings. This butterfly is an endemic subspecies to Taiwan. It is listed as a rare and valuable protected species.

黃裳鳳蝶：雄蝶翅底為黑色，後翅背面及腹面之金黃色斑塊比雌蝶為大，翅緣有長鋸齒狀黑斑圍繞，胸部有紅色斑紋；雌蝶體型較大，前翅較寬廣，後翅金黃色紋被弧狀黑紋分隔成複雜之塊狀。為臺灣特有亞種蝴蝶，目前被列為珍貴稀有保育類動物。

to cyberwee (MY) 01

##ReadMore##
Country: Malaysia
Username: cyberwee
Sent on: 24 Aug, 2009
Received on: 1 Sep, 2009
Description: 琉璃翠鳳蝶 / Papilio paris nakaharai Shirôzu

He sent me a mail and asked me if I have this postcard(TW-73269). And I answered him and told him I have 4 butterfly postcards. So we made the direct swaps 4 times.

Papilio paris nakaharai Shirôzu: It has black wings. There is a broad, metallic greenish blue marking on its hindwings, which shimmers during flight. It is one of the most beautiful butterflies in Taiwan. There is a row of red crescents on the outer edge of the underside of its hindwings. Females and males are similar in appearance, except that in males the blue marking on the upperside of the hindwing extends narrowly below and above.

琉璃翠鳳蝶: 翅為黑色，後翅有一大塊藍綠色金屬光澤的斑紋，飛行時閃耀著炫目光澤，堪稱為臺灣最美的蝴蝶之一；後翅腹面外緣有一列紅色弦月紋。雌雄外觀近似，惟雄蝶後翅背面的藍色斑紋上下呈細條狀延伸。

TW-54814

##ReadMore##

Country: Czech Republic
Username: Keina
Sent on: 14 May, 2009
Received on: 21 May, 2009
Description: 阿里山國家風景區 / Alishan National Scenic Area

Alishan is well-known for its incredible natural beauty. The sightseeing spots include: Giant trees, Alishan Museum, Natural park, Mt. Chu's Sunrise and Sister ponds, etc.

阿里山以天然美景著稱，區內有神木群、高山博物館、自然公園、祝山觀日出、姊妹潭等觀光據點。

TW-54811

##ReadMore##
Country: United States of America
Username: Renton
Sent on: 14 May, 2009
Received on: 24 May, 2009
Description: 台北101 / Taipei 101

101 stories above ground and 5 stories below, the 508-meter-tall Taipei 101 is the highest building in Taiwan. Taipei 101 was overtaken in height on July 21, 2007 by the Burj Dubai in Dubai, UAE, upon the completion of that building's 141st floor . As of July 2009, the title of "world's tallest building" still rests with Taipei 101, as international architectural standards define a "building" as a structure capable of being fully occupied. The Burj Dubai will claim the title upon its completion, which, after delays involving upgraded finishes and apartment design, is expected on 2 December 2009.

References:
Taipei 101
Wikipedia

TW-50638

##ReadMore##
Country: Slovenia
Username: lipizzaner
Sent on: 28 Apr, 2009
Received on: 27 May, 2009
Description: 台南大天后宮 / Tainan Great Queen of Heaven Temple

With a unique architectural style and numerous inscribed stone tables, this temple is situated on Yungfu Rd. It was built for the worship of the deity, Matsu, who is the most popular in Taiwan.

位於台南市永福路，其建築風格讀特，匾聯碑銘，典藏甚豐，為台灣各媽祖廟中最早稱為天后者。

TW-50629

##ReadMore##
Country: Poland
Username: Lamcia
Sent on: 28 Apr, 2009
Received on: 5 May, 2009
Description: 澎湖七美大獅 / Chimei Giant Lion, Penghu

The Chimei islet is located on the southern tip of the Penghu islands. There are quite spectacular views of the islet, where the cylindrical basalt in the shape of a giant lion squats on the cliff.

七美嶼為澎湖群島中最南端之島嶼，島上有一柱玄武岩形蹲如伏於海崖的巨獅，景緻變化萬千，蔚為奇觀。

TW-49988

##ReadMore##
Country: Germany
Username: LilaTwingo
Sent on: 26 Apr, 2009
Received on: 19 May, 2009
Description: 阿里山森林鐵道懷舊 /Alishan Forest Railway

Their baby was born at the beginnig of 2009. They are collecting rhymes for children from all over the world so I picked this card and told them a rhyme for children about trains.

TW-49927

##ReadMore##
Country: Japan
Username: yokko
Sent on: 25 Apr, 2009
Received on: 1 May, 2009
Description: 行書團扇-魯琪光 / Semi-cursive script

Semi-cursive script is a partially cursive style of Chinese calligraphy.

用筆清勁秀逸，勁力內涵，瘦勁中表露出趙體書風之秀研；清秀溫雅的氣質，又與蘇軾、董香光的文人書風相通。

References:
National Museum of History
wikipedia

TW-49129

##ReadMore##

Country: United States of America
Username: Dawn-oh
CSent on: 22 Apr, 2009
Received on: 1 May, 2009
Description: 高雄市立美術館 / Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts

TW-48580

##ReadMore##
Country: United Kingdom
Username: leighanna
Sent on: 20 Apr, 2009
Received on: 25 Apr, 2009
Description: 阿里山森林鐵道懷舊 /Alishan Forest Railway

TW-48563

##ReadMore##
Country: Finland
Username: Paavaliina
Sent on: 20 Apr, 2009
Received on: 25 Apr, 2009
Description: 乾隆款掐絲琺瑯雙龍耳罍 / Cloisonné vessel


It's an old handicraft of Cloisonné in Qianlong Emperor(1711-1799), Qing Dynasty. If you chick this link, you can see this more clearly.


此罍係銅胎，以一對回首立龍為附耳，在口部、頸間及肩腹交接處、底部各有鎏金弦紋一道，以達分隔定位及裝飾。頸、肩部之變形龍首紋飾在藍地上以黃、綠、紅、白、黑等各色琺瑯彩繪。腹部下用二十片獸面連葉紋為飾，內為龍首紋，其外至底足則飾六角朵花錦紋相對比，著色上亦類同頸肩部。底足另有四組對螭紋，底部則嵌鎏金「乾隆年製」四字楷書刻款。整體造型渾厚，胎骨厚重堅實，紋飾、色彩富麗堂皇，應屬宮廷用器，頗能呈現大清乾隆盛世之風。


References:
National Museum of History

TW-47324

##ReadMore##
Country: Ukraine
Username: MaxSH
Sent on: 15 Apr, 2009
Received on: 27 Apr, 2009
Description: 內灣線小火車漫遊 / Neiwan Railway Line

Neiwan is a small town in Hsinchu. I have been there once in winter in 2008. Neiwan is famous for the food made of Hedychium coronarium (野薑花). I never ate any food made of Hedychium coronarium in other place. It's really special.

TW-47259

##ReadMore##
Country: Finland
Username: laban
Sent on: 15 Apr, 2009
Received on: 20 Apr, 2009
Description: 唐三彩駱駝 / Tri-colored glazed pottery, camel

Tri-colored glazed pottery can be traced back to Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). But the colors of the glazes used to decorate the wares of the Tang Dynasty generally were not limited to three in number.
The famous”Silk Road”was the main overland route between China and the west.It passed through a series of deserts,in which camel were a vital means of transport,a fact borne out by the large quantities of camel remains that have been discovered by archeologists.


白胎，三彩釉，昂首，睜目，張口，仰天長嘶，背隆雙峰，前峰左傾，後峰右傾，未載貨，僅有橢圓形氈，全身僅兩前腿塑有長毛，餘無絨毛飾，，直立於長方形平臺上。駝身全塗褐色釉，僅頸下、額上、雙峰、及氈毛為淺黃色或白色釉，氈上略敷淺綠色釉，下流延及腹部，淋漓而洒脫。詳觀駝體，可見塑造者的功夫。從其線條與色彩的表達，則充份顯示唐代藝術的最高水準。

References:
Wikipedia
National Digital Archives Program, Taiwan
National Museum of History

TW-44471

##ReadMore##
Country: United States of America
Username: AkiChuu
Sent on: 3 Apr, 2009
Received on: 21 Apr, 2009
Description: 黃腹琉璃 /Vivid Niltava (Niltava vivida)

TW-43302

##ReadMore##
Country: Brazil
Username: KittyStar
Sent on: 30 Mar, 2009
Received on: 15 Apr, 2009
Description: 阿里山老火車 / Alishan Forest Railway

TW-43022

##ReadMore##
Country: Germany
Username: Kathleen1981
Sent on: 28 Mar, 2009
Received on: 22 Apr, 2009
Description: 阿里山森林鐵路 / Alishan Forest Railway

This locomotive is very cute!!! I like this postcard.

TW-42452

##ReadMore##
Country: Latvia
Username: HACTEHA
Sent on: 26 Mar, 2009
Received on: 7 Apr, 2009
Description: 太魯閣 / Taroko National Park


Taroko is famous for its gorges. As the postcard shows, it's very beautiful!!!

TW-42225

##ReadMore##
Country: Finland
Username: Piehta
Sent on: 25 Mar, 2009
Received on: 31 Mar, 2009
Description: 水上北迴歸線標誌 / Shuishang Marker Of The Tropic of Cancer


The marker of the Tropic of Cancer is 120° 24'45" longitude east and 23° 27'4" latitude west. It is located at Shuishang Hsiang, about 4 km S. from Chiayi City.


北迴歸線標誌(東經120度24分45秒，北緯23度27分4秒)，位於嘉義市西南約四公里之水上鄉下寮。

TW-80018

##ReadMore##
Country: Malaysia
Username: EeOng
Sent on: 22 Aug, 2009
Received on: 29 Aug, 2009
Description: 天佑台灣 /God bless Taiwan



After Morakot landed in the midnight of August 8, almost the entire southern region of Taiwan (Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung counties) and parts of Taitung County and Nantou County were flooded by record-breaking heavy rain. The rainfall in Pingtung County exceeded 2,600 millimetres (100 in), breaking all rainfall records of any single place in Taiwan induced by a single typhoon. Airlines in Taiwan did hold some flights in and out of airports, but seaports were closed. Electricity supplies were cut to approximately 25,000 homes.

Reports indicated that at least 600 people were missing throughout southern Taiwan. Most were residents of Xiaolin (小林村), a mountain village with 1,300 residents in Jiaxian Township. The village was buried by a massive mudslide that destroyed most of the town. It is estimated that 118 people died in the village due to the mudslide, which reports indicated covered all but two houses. It was reported that all roads toward Namaxia Township were either blocked or washed away by severe mudslides. Hundreds of residents were trapped for four days, and were running out of food and water. In addition, water and electricity had been cut. A rescue helicopter, working to retrieve survivors of the mudslide crashed into a mountain side early on August 11, killing the three occupants. Crews have been unable to reach the wreckage due to the steep terrain.

A swollen river in Taitung County undermined 51 homes and swept them away into the Pacific, leaving numerous residents homeless. No people were in the homes when they fell into the river. In the famous Jhiben (Chih-Pen, 知本) hot springs area, the six-story Jinshuai Hotel was destroyed when it collapsed into the Jhiben Creek after being undermined by flood waters. Several stores in front of the hotel were washed away days earlier as the river continued to overflow its banks and inundate nearby towns and cities. Running water in Tainan County to 280,000 was shut down as flood waters contaminated the local reservoir.

Throughout Taiwan, at least 107 people were confirmed to have been killed by the storm as of August 13. The record-breaking rains also caused catastrophic agricultural losses, with estimates reaching NT$9 billion ($274 million USD). At its peak, roughly 1.58 million were without power across the island and over 710,000 were without water pressure. Tourism losses due to the typhoon were estimated to be at least NT$800 million ($24.4 million USD).

However, Morakot also ended a month-long drought and replenished reservoirs enough to warrant an end to water rationing.

The "Little Three Links" between Kinmen of the Republic of China and Xiamen of the People's Republic of China was suspended. Almost all reservoirs in Kinmen County were full. Winds at Force 13 on the Beaufort scale were recorded in the Matsu Islands.

National Disaster Prevention and Protection Commission is the task-force-grouped committee authorized by the law of Disaster Prevention and Protection.

God bless Taiwan!!!!


References:
wikipedia

TW-41259

##ReadMore##
Country: United States of America
Username: litehouse9
Sent on: 22 Mar, 2009
Received on: 3 Apr, 2009
Description: 貢寮南雅岩柱 / Nanya Rock Sculpture, Gongliao


Nanya is noted for its fantastic rock formations and sea-eroded coral shore. The entire coastline here is a veritable sculpture garden that illustrates, in stone, the incomparable artistry of weathering and wave action.

為南亞海蝕地形之代表，因岩層的節理或軟硬不同，經過風化作用，岩柱深淺，濃淡不同的表面，更襯托出層次之美。

I like this postcard!!! I think this rock is like a cake!!! Very cute.

TW-41254

##ReadMore##
Country: Thailand
Username: unclepostman
Sent on: 21 Mar, 2009
Received on: 3 Apr, 2009
Description: 太魯閣-燕子口 / Swallow Grotto, Taroko National Park



Following the Central Cross-Island Highway, at Yanzihkou (Swallow Grotto) the rock cliffs of the Liwu River gorge seem to reach to heaven while the river runs its swiftest and the distance between the gorge walls so narrow that they almost seem to touch each other.

Along the Yanzihkou (Swallow Grotto) trail which runs about a half kilometer starting from the entrance to Swallow Grotto to the Jinheng Bridge, you can enjoy the sights of the Liwu River from nearly straight above the water, the potholes on the cliff faces, the springs sprinkled along the lower parts of the walls, as well as the famous rock formation "Chieftain's profile rock".

As of early 2005 the Yanzihkou (Swallow Grotto) Trail was separated from the highway by a simple concrete divider. The road was narrow, resulting in frequent congestion in the area. Consequently, the Park Administration set about building a two-lane tunnel for vehicular traffic to let walkers enjoy the sights of this spectacular part of the gorge uninterrupted by cars and buses. There are two Swallow Grotto (Yanzihkou) tunnels, linked by Ludan Bridge- were completed in June 1, 2007. West-east vehicular traffic must use the tunnels.The old highway is now a pedestrian path and is also open to vehicular traffic going east only that must proceed slowly.

References:
Taroko National Park

DE-356384

##ReadMore##
Country: Germany
Username: Moro2
Sent on: 8 Jun, 2009
Received on: 20 Jun, 2009
Description: Grüne Zitadelle in Magdeburg, Germany


The pink house is very special, nothing is normal there. It was created by Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

TW-40728

##ReadMore##
Country: Finland
Username: Aniara
Sent on: 19 Mar, 2009
Received on: 25 Mar, 2009
Description: 內灣線小火車 / Neiwan Railway Line

Neiwan is a small town in Hsinchu. I have been there once in winter in 2008. Neiwan is famous for the food made of Hedychium coronarium (野薑花). I never ate any food made of Hedychium coronarium in other place. It's really special.

TW-40705

##ReadMore##
Country: Germany
Username: MissCobra
Sent on: 19 Mar, 2009
Received on: 28 Mar, 2009
Descruption: Checheng Szuchunghsi Hot Springs / 車城四重溪溫泉


The springs are on the island's southern tip, near Kenting National Park. It is one of the four largest hot springs is drinkable and is good for the treatment of some chronic skin diseases.

在屏東縣車城鄉境內，因依傍四重溪而得名，屬上等礦泉水，可飲可浴，據說可治慢性胃病、關節炎、神經痛及皮膚病。


It's not a common river, it's a hot spring. We also have cold springs in Taiwan. Taiwan is the only one where you can find both hot spring and cald springs. Taking a hot spring or taking a cold spring is very comfortable and good for health.

TW-38001

##ReadMore##
Country: United States of America
Username: WeHomeschool
Sent on: 7 Mar, 2009
Received on: 16 Mar, 2009
Description: 日月潭 / Sun Moon Lake



Sun Moon Lake is the largest natural lake in Taiwan. Situated in Yuchih(魚池鄉), Nantou(南投), the area around the Sun Moon Lake is home to the Thao tribe(邵族), one of aboriginal tribes in Taiwan. Sun Moon Lake surrounds a tiny island called Lalu(拉魯島). The east side of the lake looks like a sun and the west side looks like a moon, hence the name.

TW-37982

##ReadMore##
Country: Finland
Username: chillaa
Sent on: 7 Mar, 2009
Received on: 13 Mar, 2009
Description: 太魯閣 / Taroko

Taroko is a very beautiful place. I've been there twice. I love the Marble Gorge.

Official Website:
English
日本語

TW-35991

##ReadMore##
Country: Finland
Username: meikalainen
Sent on: 26 Feb, 2009
Received on: 5 Mar, 2009
Description: 阿里山老火車 / Alishan Forest Railway

I love this set of postcards.

特489 臺灣珊瑚礁魚類郵票(95年版) / Sp. 489 Taiwan Coral-Reef Fish Postage Stamps (Issue of 2006)

##ReadMore##
Issued on: 14 Jul, 2006

To acquaint ROC citizens with the island's abundant marine life and to draw attention to its coral reefs, Chunghwa Post is issuing another set of four postage stamps on "Taiwan Coral-Reef Fish," featuring the Clown anemonefish, Moorish idol, Yellowtail coris and Longnose hawkfish. The stamps have been planned by Dr. Kwang-tsao Shao of the Academia Sinica and created by marine biology painter Jheng Yi-lang. Two stamps will have denominations of NT$5, and the other two will have denominations of NT$12.

The designs of the stamps follow:

(1) Amphiprion ocellaris (NT$5): It is commonly known as the Clown anemonefish, because the white markings on its orange body make it look like an adorable clown. It is a very popular saltwater aquarium fish.

(2) Zanclus cornutus (NT$5): Commonly known as the Moorish idol, it is a typical coral reef fish. Its brilliant coloring is similar to that of the longfin bannerfish of the Chaetodontidae (butterflyfish) family, but its body is similar to that of the freshwater angelfish. Its body is covered with black and white stripes, with three broad black bars around the eyes, the pectoral fin and the caudal peduncle. It looks very elegant when it swims and sells well in pet stores that stock tropical fish.

(3) Coris gaimard (NT$12): It is commonly known as the Yellowtail coris. The juvenile of this species has orange or bright red coloration, with five distinctive white saddles rimmed in black along its top from snout to tail. It is nicknamed "red dragon" and is a hot seller in pet stores in Taiwan that stock tropical fish. After it grows to four to five centimeters long, its white saddles gradually fade and its body turns from orange-red to olive and becomes bluer near its tail, where its caudal fin turns bright yellow.

(4) Oxycirrhites typus (NT$12): Commonly known as the Longnose hawkfish, it looks distinctly different from other Cirrhitidae. Its habits are quite different too. It lives only in sea fans of deeper water coral reefs. Its body is bright red and easily camouflaged by the red sea fans. Because of its slender snout and its bright red grid-like coloration, it is also called the "pointy snout grid fish" in Chinese.


為使國人了解臺灣豐富多樣的海洋生物，並關心珊瑚礁環境，本公司續以中央研究院邵廣昭博士規劃之「眼斑海葵魚」、「角鐮魚」、「蓋馬氏盔魚」、「尖吻魚翁」為主題，發行臺灣珊瑚礁魚類郵票（95年版）1組4枚，面值分別為新台幣5元及12元各2枚。
　　
茲將郵票圖案簡介如下：

（1）眼斑海葵魚（面值5元）：俗稱小丑魚，橙紅體色上的白斑圖案有如小丑裝扮，令人憐愛，是海水觀賞魚類中頗受歡迎的魚種。

（2）角鐮魚（面值5元）：常見的典型珊瑚礁魚，炫麗的體色和蝴蝶魚科之白吻雙帶立旗鯛很像，又稱「角蝶魚」；體型又像淡水觀賞魚之「神仙魚」。體色黑白相間，眼部及胸鰭基部及尾柄部前方各有一條很寬的黑色橫帶。泳姿高雅，頗受水族業者歡迎。

（3）蓋馬氏盔魚（面值12元）：幼魚體色橙紅或鮮紅，背上從吻端到尾柄有5塊鑲黑邊的白色鞍狀斑塊，非常顯眼，又稱「紅龍」，相當受水族業的歡迎；成長到4－5公分後，白斑逐漸黯淡消失，體色由橙紅轉為棕欖綠，愈往尾部愈呈藍色，尾鰭也變成鮮黃色。

（4）尖吻魚翁(面值12元）：外型與其他魚翁科魚類不同，習性特殊，只棲息在較深水域珊瑚礁的海扇（角珊瑚）上面，體色艷紅和海扇一致而有隱藏的作用。細長的吻部和身上艷紅方格圖案，又稱為「尖吻格魚」。

Reference:
Chunghwa Post Co., Ltd

特508.1-508.10 宋徽宗十八學士圖古畫郵票 / Sp. 508.1-508.10 Ancient Chinese Painting

##ReadMore#
Issued on: 21 Sep, 2007

To promote appreciation of ancient Chinese art and philately, Taiwan Post is issuing a set of ten stamps (each with a denomination of NT$5.00) based on the Sung Dynasty painting "Eighteen Scholars of the T’ang" by the Emperor Hui-tsung, which is in the National Palace Museum collection. The full painting will be printed in a se-tenant block of ten stamps in two rows of five. The ten stamps are not uniform in size. Instead there are four different sizes, enabling the se-tenant block to be broken up into compositionally coherent individual stamps.
The Sung Dynasty Emperor Hui-tsung (1082-1135) was a very gifted calligrapher and painter and was especially good at landscape, flower-and-bird, and figure paintings. Refined and elegant, his style of calligraphy is called "slender gold script" and is characterized by thin yet powerful brush strokes. "Eighteen Scholars of the T’ang" depicts a boisterous and joyous party of the era’s literati, with scholars touring the garden, writing poetry, playing music, drinking and feasting. They sip tea, drink wine and eat delicacies in a garden where a creek meanders amid scattered rocks, flowers, pine trees and bamboo. Servants prepare tea and wine by a square table. The table has stretchers between the legs and is decorated with aprons and spandrels. A tea set is placed on the table. Beside the table is a bamboo tea basket with a tea tray on top. A simple wooden-framed two-panel screen sits atop spandrels and shoe feet. The upper part is mullioned and the lower part paneled. The scholars sat around a very large waisted table with recessed legs, a style popular during the T’ang and Five Dynasties. This is the best of several versions of this painting.


為宣揚中華文化，介紹古代精緻藝術品及推展集郵業務，續以國立故宮博物院典藏之宋徽宗十八學士圖卷為主題，印製「宋徽宗十八學士圖古畫郵票」1組10枚， 面值均為5元。是項郵票係以上下各5枚2行聯刷方式精印，構成全幅畫卷，郵票全張由1組10枚郵票組成，為求郵票構圖之美觀及完整，共有4種大小不等之票幅。

宋徽宗（西元1082-1135年），姓趙名佶。性好書畫，秉賦極高，工山水、花鳥、人物。筆墨挺秀，雅韻宜人，書稱瘦金體，筆勢勁逸。圖繪典型的文人酬 應，內容包括遊園、賦詩、奏樂、宴飲，氣氛熱鬧歡愉。聚會備以茶酒、珍饈的品酌，士人在溪亭、花石、松竹叢中，品茗酒食賞景。僕役分備茶酒，方桌腿四面有 棖，下有牙條、牙頭為飾。桌上置茶具，旁竹編茶籠內擺茶托。立地兩面式屏風造型簡潔，下有抱角牙子、墩足。屏以木為框，上部成直櫺門式，下部安板。圖中文 士圍桌而坐，箱形束腰平列壼門大案，唐、五代流行。此卷有數本傳世，此為其中較佳者。


Reference:
Chunghwa Post Co., Ltd