Stamps
Christmas – Traditions
The jovial, nostalgic motifs of this year’s Christmas stamps draw on Switzerland’s rich cultural heritage when it comes to Christmas traditions. It is particularly impressive to see how the diversity of these customs is depicted.
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Living traditions make up part of Switzerland’s intangible cultural heritage. The designs selected for the four special stamps in the 2021 Christmas set highlight the wide variety of traditions practised during the festive period.
Cheery nostalgia full of atmosphere – the four designs show a broad range of traditions from the regional to the widely known: Saint Nicholas trudges out of the forest, carol singers roam the countryside letting their voices ring out, the “Iffelen” carriers create a mystical atmosphere at the Saint Nicholas chase in Küssnacht and the “Chlausezüüg” entices us into a cosy room in Appenzell Innerrhoden. In terms of their cheerful style and the designs chosen, the images purposely draw on classical children’s book illustrations. Their atmospheric characterization is enhanced by the evocative use of light impressions and effects.
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Bethlehem special branch
Date:9 to 10 December 2021
Location: Bethlehem Christmas branch, “im Tscharni” cafe and community center, Waldmannstrasse 17, 3027 Bern, Switzerland
Getting there: Tram no. 8 to the Tscharnergut stop
Opening times: Bethlehem Christmas branch, “im Tscharni” cafe and community center, Waldmannstrasse 17, 3027 Bern, Switzerland
We’re delighted that the Christmas branch in Bern-Bethlehem will be opening its doors again this year! To send your Christmas mail with the “Bethlehem” cancellation, bring your letters to Bern-Bethlehem during the sales stand’s opening hours or send your Christmas mail franked with valid stamps (no express items) directly to the following address:
Post CH Network Ltd, Cancellation Service, “Bethlehem”, Werkstrasse 41, 3250 Lyss, Switzerland
Deadline for Christmas mail: 15 December 2021
On request, stamp impressions can also be applied to loose valid stamps. Please enclose a pre-franked, self-addressed envelope so that any unaddressed items for cancellation can be returned.
Technical information
Sales
Philately: from 4.11.2021 to 30.6.2022 or while stocks last
Branches: from 11.11.2021 to 31.6.2022 or while stocks last
Validity
Unlimited from 11.11.2021
Printing
Offset, 4-colour; Joh. Enschedé, Haarlem, Netherlands
Sizes
Stamps: 28 × 33 mm
Sheet: 100 × 228 mm (open),
100 × 114 mm (folded),
(5 rows of 2 stamps)
Paper
White stamp paper with optical brightener, self-adhesive, on backing paper, 196 gm²
Perforation
Serpentine cut (4 sides)
Design
Anita Dettwiler and Dani Pelagatti, Zurich