Christmas in Niue is a time of mafola (peace), fakaalofa (love), amanaki (hope) and fiafia (joy) - values represented on the 2013 Christmas stamps.
Issue information
Niueans spend Christmas time relaxing with friends and loved ones, with many Niueans living abroad returning to the island for the festive season. It’s a time to remember the true meaning of Christmas and reflect on the year gone by.
The 2013 Christmas stamps use iconic Christmas imagery coupled with woven pandanus leaf to reflect the spirit of the Christmas season.
30c – Mafola
The 30c stamp represents mafola through the image of a dove. The dove is recognised worldwide as a symbol of peace, and in the Christian faith it is also symbolic of the Holy Spirit.
$1.40 – Fakaalofa
Fakaalofa is represented on the $1.40 stamp with an angel. The angel Gabriel played an important part in the Christmas story – delivering the news that Mary would give birth to the son of God.
$2.00 – Amanaki
The $2.00 stamp portrays amanaki with an image of the Star of Bethlehem. The Star of Bethlehem appeared in the night sky when Jesus was born and became a symbol of hope.
$4.00 – Fiafia
Christmas is a time of fiafia, and this is represented on the $4.00 stamp with the image of bells. Bells are often used at the beginning of a church service, and are referenced in many Christmas carols.
Unique collectables for a Niuean Christmas
The four gummed stamps in this issue are complemented with a range of Christmas collectables. The miniature sheet and two first day covers feature the phrase ‘Monuina e Kilisimasi’, meaning ‘Merry Christmas’ in Niuean. They continue the theme of the stamps and will make a beautiful addition to any Niue stamp collection.
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 20 November 2013 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Four gummed |
| Denominations: | 30c, $1.40, $2.00 and $4.00 |
| Stamps and first day cover designed by: | New Zealand Post Ltd, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer: | Collectables and Solutions Centre, New Zealand Post, Whanganui, New Zealand |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 30mm x 40mm (vertical) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 16 |
| Perforation gauge: | 13.33 |
| Period of sale: | Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, these stamps will remain on sale until 19 November 204. |