Fiercer dragon on stamp stirs debate
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Shanghai Daily, January 4, 2012
The Year of the Dragon stamps to be issued by China Post tomorrow have sparked a heated debate on the Internet, as some web users say the dragon looks fierce and sinister, which goes against the traditional auspicious meaning of dragons in China.
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The Year of the Dragon stamps. |
The release of the zodiac stamps, which depict a coiling dragon with a golden head and colorful whiskers, has been known since last month.
China Post said the design derives from the pattern on "dragon robes" worn by Chinese emperors in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The bright colors, however, draw upon the famous Nine Dragons Wall in the Forbidden City in Beijing that is made of colored glaze tiles.
"This dragon indicated a sense of dignity, severity and integrity. The cheerful colors on its body presented a festive atmosphere to celebrate the coming Chinese lunar New Year, bringing people power and confidence," said Feng Shula, a China Post official.
But some netizens pointed out the dragon looks angry and ambitious, which differs significantly from the traditional Chinese legend in which the dragon is regarded as a divine beast and is said to be a deliverer of good fortune and a master of authority.
"I was frightened at my first look at this dragon. Isn't it growling at someone?" wrote a netizen named "Summer" on her microblog.
But some supporters said they liked the design because it looked alive and vigorous.
"Dragons' main responsibilities in old times were to ward off evil, avoid disasters and bring good luck to people. It was therefore fierce," said Chen Shaohua, designer of the stamp.
Chen, a famous graphic designer in China, said the dragon is the god of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, and it should not be changed into a modern look or a cartoonish appearance.
The first dragon stamp issued in 1988 depicted a jolly, happy dragon and the second dragon stamp issued in 2000 featured a calligraphy style in shape.
China Post began issuing stamps based on Chinese zodiac signs in 1980, the Year of the Monkey. The dragon is the fifth of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac and the only one that is not a real animal.
The Year of the Dragon stamps will be on sale from tomorrow to celebrate the arrival of the Chinese lunar New Year, which falls on January 23. Collectors in Shanghai can buy them at any of the city's 79 post offices.
Each stamp has a par value of 1.20 yuan (19 US cents) and a special stamp booklet is priced at 12 yuan, the post company said. The zodiac stamps will be issued in limited edition, so people are advised to get them early.
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