Thematic : Umbrellas On Stamps.

Another symbolic umbrella: Anti AIDS campaign in Ethiopia 1991. With proper protection, families aren't destroyed.

A Malaysian stamp with a large umbrella representing Social Security for everyone in times of need, 1973.

For the stamp in honor of the Spanish artist Francisco de Goya (1746-1828), Paraguay chose his painting of a beautiful young woman shielded by an umbrella held by her companion; 1978, 150 years after the artist's death.

Spain had chosen the same painting for their Goya stamp of 1958. The original can be seen in the Prado Museum, Madrid

Bulgaria chose the painting of a young woman reading a letter by de Goya for their stamp of 1996 honoring the artist's 250th birthday. See also the post on page 1.

Burundi also chose this painting by de Goya to represent letter writing for their stamp for the International Day of Letter Writing in 1968.

Donald seems to be having some trouble staying grounded in stormy weather! His assistants are hanging on to his tie as best as they can, but important documents are blowing away... (Personal stamp issued 2010.)

Having a strong steady wind also has its advantages: it's good for wind turbines. One of the first KiwiStamps (non-denominational forever stamps) shows how windy it can get down there. 2009

The precious parasol, Dhug, symbolizes the activity of preserving beings from illness, harmful forces, obstacles and so forth in this life. Symbols like this one are printed on prayer flags in Bhutan; one in a set of 8 symbols on stamps, 2016.

A cheerful and colorful procession/pilgrimage in honor of the Goddess of the Sea, Mazu or Matsu, takes place during the 3rd month of the lunar calendar. On Taiwan it is the largest celebration of the year. I don't know who did the original artwork for the large painting shown on the stamps; 1992. Photos of a modern-day procession and the vast statue of the Goddess on the Taiwanese Mazu islands, just off the coast of mainland China.

The Vatican issued two stamps honoring Russian writers and poets. The drama "Three Sisters" might be the motive on the stamp. Stamp for Cechov's 150th birthday.

The Russian vacation stamp shows what a difference it makes to leave the city for a while.

Besides being a city with industry and the site of a naval base, Varna on the Bulgarian coast of the Black Sea has beautiful beaches. They have become even more popular than they already were in 1958.

A drone's view of Newquay beach on the coast of Cornwall; part of a set of 10 British Coastlines seen from above, 2002. Cornwall photo of Newquay.

Spain's tourism stamp of 2015 featured pictures of four things you don't want to miss on a vacation to the country: guitar music, a beach parasol, a beach ball and a dish of delicious food.