Year of the Rat 2008

50 gummed-back stamps sheet (1st Local) 10 Self-adhesive stamps (1st Local)Collector's Sheet Offset Lithography with high reflective index transparent Hologram with morphing effect ($5 , $10 value)First Day Cover affixed with stamps

The highly intelligent, charming and enterprising Rat starts off a new cycle on the Chinese zodiac calendar. Three graphic ullustrations of this lively Rat ushering in the new Lunar Year 2008 are shown in this set of stamps.

There are a total of 12 animal signs in the Chinese calendar based on five ccles of 12 years each, with each cycle tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. According to Chinese astrology and belief, the traits of these zodiac animals not only shape the personalities of perople born under the respective sign but also their lives and the events of the year.

The year 2008, being the year of the Earth Rat, those born in this year are said to have an added sense if stability and desire to secure a good future for themselves and their families.
Apart from the Rat, the other Chinese zodiac animals are: The ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

Famous personalities born in the year of the Rat include William Shakespeare, Mozart, George Washington and Truman Capote.

Date of issue: 18 January 2008
Denominations: 1st Local, 65¢, $1.10
Stamp Size: 40mm x 30mm (1st Local & 65¢); 35mm x 44.8mm ($1.10)
Perforation: 14 x 14 (1st Local & 65¢); 14.25 x 14.25 ($1.10)
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Offset-Lithography (Stamps); Offset Lithography with high reflective index transparent Hologram with morphing effect (Collector's Sheet)
Printer: Southern Colour Print (Stamps); Cartor Security Printing (Collector's Sheet)
Sheet Content: 50 gummed-back stamps per sheet (1st Local, 65¢, $1.10); 10 Self-adhesive stamps per sheet (1st Local)
Designer: Leo Teck Chong

First Day Cover affixed with stamps: S$2.75
Collector's Sheet: S$16.80