Lunar New Year: Year of the Rabbit

In 2023, the U.S. Postal Service issues the fourth of 12 stamps in the latest Lunar New Year series. The Year of the Rabbit begins January 22, 2023, and ends on February 9, 2024.

Utilizing red, pink, and purple as the predominant colors—said to be lucky colors for individuals born during the Year of the Rabbit—the rabbit mask in the stamp art incorporates elements with symbolic meaning. Several of the patterns were created with the style of Asian textiles in mind as well as green flowers that represent the arrival of spring, which Lunar New Year also signals in Chinese culture. The moon in the center of the rabbit’s head references the lunar calendar on which Lunar New Year is based and the celestial themes of the Chinese zodiac.

The rabbit is the fourth of the 12 zodiac animal signs associated with the Chinese lunar calendar. Many ancient fables and legends explain the origin of the zodiac signs. The most common story tells of the animals racing 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. Next came the ox, then the tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, and dog, followed by the boar in last place.

As with other zodiac signs, personality traits and other attributes are often associated with people born in the year of a particular animal. Those born during the Year of the Rabbit may be seen as elegant, gracious, and kind. Pink, red, and purple are lucky colors for Rabbits, and plantain lilies may also bring good luck.

Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays for many Asian communities around the world and is primarily celebrated by people of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan, Mongolian, Malaysian, and Filipino heritage. Across these varied cultures, many traditions exist for ringing in a new year of good luck and prosperity.

Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp and pane with original art by Camille Chew.

The Year of the Rabbit stamp is being issued as a Forever® stamp in panes of 20. This Forever stamp will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail® one-ounce price.

Sheet of 20

In 2023, the U.S. Postal Service issues the fourth of 12 stamps in the latest Lunar New Year series. The Year of the Rabbit begins January 22, 2023, and ends on February 9, 2024.

Utilizing red, pink, and purple as the predominant colors—said to be lucky colors for individuals born during the Year of the Rabbit—the rabbit mask in the stamp art incorporates elements with symbolic meaning.

$12.60

Purchase

First Day Cover

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with this colorful and lucky Lunar New Year: Year of the Rabbit First Day Cover. The #6 ¾ envelope is affixed with a Forever® stamp cancelled with an official First Day of Issue postmark.

The fourth of 12 stamps in the latest Lunar New Year series, the patterns and green flowers represent the arrival of spring, which Lunar New Year also signals in Chinese culture. The moon in the center of the rabbit’s head references the lunar calendar on which the Lunar New Year is based and the celestial themes of the Chinese zodiac.

The postmark includes the stamp name beside the traditional rabbit mask and the date and location of stamp issuance: January 12, 2023, San Francisco, CA 94188.

$1.15

Purchase

Digital Color Postmark

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with this colorful and lucky Lunar New Year: Year of the Rabbit Digital Color Postmark First Day Cover. The #6 ¾ envelope is affixed with a Forever® stamp cancelled with an official First Day of Issue postmark.

The fourth of 12 stamps in the latest Lunar New Year series, the patterns and green flowers represent the arrival of spring, which Lunar New Year also signals in Chinese culture. The moon in the center of the rabbit’s head references the lunar calendar on which the Lunar New Year is based and the celestial themes of the Chinese zodiac.

The postmark includes an intricately decorated rabbit mask beside the stamp name, spelled out in traditional red, green, and purple colors. Also included is the date and location of stamp issuance: January 12, 2023, San Francisco, CA 94188.

$2.00

Purchase

Press Sheet with Die-Cuts

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with this new 14.5(w) x 19.5(h)-inch press sheet, containing four sheets of Lunar New Year • Year of the Rabbit Forever® stamps positioned two across by two down.

$50.40

Purchase

Press Sheet without Die-Cuts

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with this new 14.5(w) x 19.5(h)-inch press sheet, containing four sheets of Lunar New Year • Year of the Rabbit Forever® stamps positioned two across by two down.*

*The stamps on these sheets do not contain perforations for mail use.

$50.40

Purchase

Red Envelope with Cancellation

Ring in a new year of luck and prosperity with this new Lunar New Year: Year of the Rabbit red money envelope. The 3.5(w) x 6.5(h)-inch envelope bears an affixed Forever® stamp cancelled with an official First Day of Issue postmark.

The pictorial postmark features the stylized rabbit face shown on the stamp selvage. Also included is the stamp title, as well as the date and location of stamp issuance: January 12, 2023, San Francisco, CA 94188.

A striking addition to your collection or holiday gift list, this colorful envelope can also be used during the Chinese New Year to present money to loved ones – a tradition that symbolizes good luck for the new year ahead.

$5.00

Purchase

Framed Stamp

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with this new 11.5(w) x 14.5(h)-inch framed piece, which features the mask art from the stamp, plus a mounted Lunar New Year • Year of the Rabbit Forever® stamp and the First Day of Issue details.

$39.95

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Stamp Ceremony Memento

Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays for many Asian communities worldwide. Immerse yourself in the celebration with this Lunar New Year • Year of the Rabbit Stamp Ceremony Memento.

$28.95

Purchase

Stamped Pin

Ring in a new year of luck and prosperity with this new 7.5(w) x 4.5(h)-inch Lunar New Year • Year of the Rabbit Stamp Pin with Cancellation Card.

$14.95

Purchase

American Commemorative Panel

Ring in a new year of luck and prosperity with this new American Commemorative Panel®. The 8 ½ x 11 ¼-inch panel, printed on sturdy card stock, features a narrative about the Lunar New Year celebration and stamp art.

The panel also includes an intaglio-printed component designed explicitly for the American Commemorative Panels® program and is accompanied by a block of four Lunar New Year • Year of the Rabbit Forever® stamps in a protective acetate mount.

Quantities are limited.

Lunar New Year: Year of the Rabbit

Stamp Brief

First Day of Issue Ceremony

Stamp Artist

Camille Chew

Stamp Art Director

Antonio Alcalá