Issue 978 - Important Buddhist Religion Day (Visak Day 2012)Issued on 2nd June 2012 / 2555Visak Day (or
Vesak) is celebrated in many countries around the Buddhist world.
From Wikipedia:
Quote:
Vesak is a holy day observed traditionally by Buddhists in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and the South East Asian countries of Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Burma, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Sometimes informally called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually encompasses the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and passing away (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha
You can read more from Wikipedia here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VesakThe issue comprises a single stamp, first day cover, and souvenir sheet. The design of the stamp is simple and elegant. This is one of my favourite stamps from this year:
The Buddha image is shown on a background depicting a Bodhi tree leaf (Sacred Fig,
Ficus religiosa, also known as Bo tree). Gautama Buddha achieved enlightenment while sitting beneath a Bodhi tree. You can find Bodhi trees at many temples around Thailand. Here are some images from my own travels.
At Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Ayutthaya:
At Wat Chedi Chet Thaew, Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Sukothai:
The souvenir sheet is also a very nice item:
And the first day cover:
Posted 06/18/2012 10:09 pm
