Religion Topicals

Magha Pula is an important Buddhist holy day, with temple ceremonies commemorating the occasion when 1,250 of the Lord Buddha's disciples spontaneously gathered to hear him preach. Here is an image of a stamp depicting this religious event, printed by lithogravure, and issued by Thailand on March 7, 1993, Scott No. 1523.

- nethryk

Since it's Sunday, I'll play along.
Here's a lovely French India picturing Brahma.
SC#28 1914




Sent to me by our friend I_love_stamps.

Jesus of Nazareth wearing the crown of thorns before his crucifixion, designed and engraved by Martin Cinovský, and issued by Slovakia on February 15, 2000 for Easter, Scott No. 353.

- nethryk

Here is an image of a high value definitive engraved stamp depicting a Deva King guarding the south gate of Todai-ji, a Buddhist temple in Nara Prefecture and headquarters of the Kegon sect, issued by Japan in 1969, Scott No. 891a.

- nethryk

Here is an image of a semi-postal stamp depicting Jesus of Nazareth wearing the crown of thorns and Esquipulas Cathedral, engraved and printed by Thomas De La Rue & Co., Ltd., and issued by Guatemala on October 29, 1957 to benefit the Esquipulas Cathedral Highway Fund, Scott No. B8, SG No. 581.

- nethryk

A card arrives from Jeff Lovell out of the blue with cinderellas,

I presume a US issue.

Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) was a Spanish knight from a Basque noble family, hermit, priest since 1537, and theologian, who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and was its first Superior General. He was beatified by Pope Paul V in 1609, and canonized by Pope Gregory XV in 1622. Saint Ignatius is a patron saint of soldiers. Here is an image of an airmail stamp featuring a portrait of St. Ignatius, designed by Hungarian artist Imre von Mosdóssy, engraved and printed by Thomas De La Rue & Co., Ltd., and issued by Colombia on November 26, 1956 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the saint's death, Scott No. C287, SG No. 969.

- nethryk

The Stone of Tizoc, or Sacrificial Stone, is a large, round, carved Aztec stone, rediscovered in 1791. It is thought to have been a quauhxicalli, in which the hearts of human sacrifices (captives) were placed. The stone measures about 10 feet in diameter and is 3.5 feet tall; it weighs about 9.5 tons. Around its side are depictions of Texcatlipoca, a major Aztec god, holding the patron gods of other places by the hair. Here is an image of an engraved stamp depicting the Tizoc Stone, issued by Mexico on December 1, 1934, Scott No. 717, SG No. 569, plus a photo of the stone, which is in the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City.

- nethryk

King James 1st, Authorised version of the Bible.
GB 1999

I needed to add a comma, to prevent misunderstanding.

James is pointing to the bent perforation.

Scene from the Bhuridatta Jataka, the Naga Prince, printed by photogravure, and issued by Thailand on July 19, 1997 for Asalha Puja day, an important Theravada Buddhist festival, Scott No. 1748.

- nethryk

The Passion is the Christian theological term used for the events and suffering – physical, spiritual, and mental – of Jesus of Nazareth in the hours before and including his trial and execution by crucifixion. Here are images of the three stamps in a set depicting scenes from the Passion, designed and engraved by Jacques Combet after 16th century frescoes in La Maison des Vallées, and issued by Andorra (French administration) on October 12, 1968, Scott Nos. 185-87.

- nethryk

The scourging of Christ


Christ carrying the cross


The crucifixion

Here is an image of a stamp depicting Nang (Lady) Mekhala (literally, the "Girdled Goddess"). In Buddhist mythology, she is the guardian deity of the ocean and patroness of sailors. Nang Mekhala is also associated with the phenomena of thunder and lightning. Here is an image of an airmail stamp designed by Ky Phung Chaleun, engraved by Claude Jumelet, and issued by Laos on October 24, 1973 as one of two stamps commemorating the centenary of OMI-OMM international meteorological cooperation, Scott No. C109.

- nethryk

An old sycamore tree called the "Virgin's Tree," which stands in the Héliopolis district of El-Mataryeh, attracts thousands of pilgrims each Christmas. Coptic Christians believe that this tree sheltered the Holy Family when they escaped from Herod to Egypt some 2,000 years ago. Here is an image of an airmail stamp depicting the Virgin's Tree, with an inset showing the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child, printed by photogravure, and issued by Egypt (United Arab Republic) on June 7, 1967 as one of a set of three stamps promoting International Tourist Year, Scott No. C114, plus an undated photo of the tree.

- nethryk

Procession of the Wax Pagoda, designed by S. Rodboon, engraved by Charles Mazelin, and issued by Laos on May 20, 1966, Scott No. 131.

- nethryk