China Stamps - 2003-1 , Scott 3253-4 Guiwei Year Year of the Sheep - Imprint Block of 4 - MNH, F-VF - (9325C)

China Stamps - 2003-1 , Scott 3253-4 Guiwei Year Year of the Sheep - Imprint Block of 4 - MNH, F-VF : The year 2003, according to the lunar calendar, is the year of Gui-Wei, or the year of ram. One of the six domestic animals, the sheep has been with man since ancient times. In the early ages of human civilization , our ancestors herbed sheep and hunted. People like the sheep for its mildness and meekness. In addition, as the Chinese character for "sheep" pronounces the same as that for "sun", and is interchangeable with the Chinese character for "auspiciousness" sheep is regarded as an auspicious creature. In China's millennia of civilization, from the pets pulling carts in imperial courts to the legand of Guangzhou, the "City of Five Rams", the sheep has been associated with many beautiful images, and embodies people's wish for happy life and peace.