New Stamp Series Will Observe Chinese New Year

Year of the Rat Stamp Kicks Off Series That Runs Through 2019

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following release was issued by the United States Postal Service:

What: In observance of the Chinese New Year, the U.S. Postal Service will debut a new stamp series for the 12 different animals in the Chinese calendar. The series will continue through 2019. The first stamp in the series is for the Year of the Rat, which begins Feb. 7, 2008 and ends Jan. 25, 2009.

Who: Katherine Tobin, Member, U. S. Postal Service Board of Governors

Claudine Cheng, Former President, Organization of Chinese Americans, Inc.

Sidney Chan, President, Board of Directors, Chinese Chamber of Commerce

Kam Mak, Stamp Designer

Leung's White Crane Kung Fu Association, White Crane Lion Dance

When: 11 a.m. PT

Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008

Where: Nob Hill Masonic Center

1111 California St.

San Francisco, CA 94108

Background: According to legend, the animals raced across a river to determine their order in the cycle. The rat crossed by riding on the back of the ox, jumping ahead at the last minute to win the race.

People born in the year of a particular animal are said to share characteristics with that animal. Those born during the Year of the Rat are said to be adaptable, clever, ambitious and industrious. Persons born within the following date ranges can be said to have been born in the "Year of the Rat":

February 18, 1912 - February 5, 1913

February 5, 1924 - January 24, 1925

January 24, 1936 - February 10, 1937

February 10, 1948 - January 28, 1949

January 28, 1960 - February 14, 1961

February 15, 1972 - February 2, 1973

February 2, 1984 - February 19, 1985

February 19, 1996 - February 6, 1997

Famous Rats include Antonio Banderas, Claude Monet, David Duchovny, George Washington, Hugh Grant, Prince Charles, Samuel L. Jackson and Sean Penn.