Hong Kong Chinese and Western Wedding Customs set (6 stamps) MNH 2013

Item Specifics

Country

Hong Kong

Condition

Mint (NH)

Stamp Format

Single

Item Description

Detailed Description

As I have held thy hand, so I shall grow old with thee.” Marriage is a lifelong promise between a man and a woman. It is also an important event in a couple’s life. Throughout time and across cultures, nuptial ties are formed at marriage ceremonies. Apart from bringing sweet and memorable moments for the bride and groom, a wedding is a joyful occasion shared with family and friends. Influenced by culture, traditions and the way of life, marital customs vary in different societies. In Hong Kong where the East meets the West, weddings are characterised by a blend of traditional Chinese etiquette and Western customs. This set of stamps introduces the wedding culture of Hong Kong from various perspectives, highlighting the harmonious mix of Chinese and Western elements.

$1.40 – The newlyweds, in traditional Chinese wedding dress, perform their bows as part of the ceremony. The dragon and phoenix embroidery on the bridal dress symbolises nobility, auspiciousness and a blessed union. Forming a backdrop are a “double-happiness” paper-cutting and two big red lanterns, adding to the joyous atmosphere.

$1.80 – Their hearts filled with love for each other, the groom, in his tuxedo, and the bride, in her wedding gown, exchange their vows. The wedding rings on their fingers are tokens of enduring love and faithfulness.

$2.40 – “Gift Presentation” in traditional Chinese wedding etiquette is very much like a betrothal ceremony. On the day of “Gift Presentation”, the groom’s family will pay a visit to the bride’s family, bringing gift money, bridal cakes, coconuts, tea leaves, etc. to make a formal marital pledge.

$2.50 – Cutting a cake at a wedding is a Western tradition. The new couple share the cake with their family and friends who partake in the joyful celebrations and share the happiness of the bride and groom.

$3 – The red background with dragon and phoenix motifs suggests auspiciousness and joyfulness. The couple, in gold silhouette, have drunk their nuptial wine: now they will never part.

$5 – Western weddings are usually held in a church or a garden. Decorations are mainly in white. An archway adorned with roses and wedding bells lend solemnity and a touch of sweetness to the occasion.

In this stamp issue, red and gold, popular colours for Chinese celebrations, are used in three of the stamps to emphasise the cheerful bustle of Chinese weddings. White and pink, symbolising purity and love respectively, are the main colours of the other three stamps in which the feeling of romance associated with Western weddings permeates.

An auspicious colour in Chinese tradition, bright red is employed for the stamp sheetlet to highlight the Chinese red lanterns and dragon-phoenix bangles on the left, and the crystal chandelier and wedding rings on the right. A couple in Chinese wedding costume and another in Western wedding attire are juxtaposed to show the harmonious integration and coexistence of Chinese and Western wedding customs in Hong Kong. The contrast is delightful.

Pre-Order Item
For any pre-order item, I will always ship it out together with everything on the same invoice once it is available.  If you want other items arrive earlier, please let me know and I will split the invoice before you pay.

Large/Special Order
If you have any special order (large quantities, special stamps), please check with me directly.  I have not posted everything I have on Hip due to the store space limitation.

Shipping & Handling Time
Most of the items will be sent out WITHIN 1 BUSINESS DAY after you pay the invoice.  Please review the positive feedback from the buyers.  The actual delivery time varies due to the destination.

Shipping & Handling Fee
I am trying to offer the lowest shipping fee if possible.  The item will be sent out via USPS standard mail (or first class mail) with no tracking number.  I will take a picture of the package as proof of delivery.  The shipping fee is listed as below -

* First item (USA) - BETWEEN USD $1.13 AND USD $1.79, DEPENDS ON THE SIZE
* First Item (International) - BETWEEN USD $1.77 AND USD $3.57, DEPENDS ON THE DESTINATION AND THE SIZE
* Each eligible additional item (USA / International) - USD $0.10 (see combined shipping discount), independent of the destination and the size

Combined Shipping Discount
The combined shipping discount can be applied only on the items showing up in the same invoice.  Each eligible additional item will be charged an additional of USD $0.10 as the shipping fee.  Please review the invoice carefully to ensure all the items are listed there and the shipping fee is calculated correctly before any payment.  If you have any question, please check with me before you pay. I will always get back to you within 12 hours.

If you are purchasing the stamps through "Buy it now" option, please make sure all the items are in the basket before any payment.

Package Loss Responsibilities
In order to provide the lowest shipping fee, I am sending all items by USPS standard mail without tracking number.  I cannot hold responsible if the packet is lost due to postage.  If you need extra shipping protection, please consider the following options and let me know before you pay -

* Shipping Tracking Number - an extra of USD $1.00 PER INVOICE
* Registered mail with signature - between USD $10.00 and USD $15.00, please check with me before you pay.

Us Stamps Plate Number
The actual plate number of the US Stamps may vary unless it is specified in the Item description / title. If you need the exact plate number shown in the picture, please check with me before you place the order.

Us Stamp Sheets Plate Position
The actual plate position of the US Stamp Sheets may vary unless it is specified in the Item description / title. If you need the exact plate position shown in the picture, please check with me before you place the order.

Seller Information

Seller

msfong (30209)

Registered Since

04/25/2013

Feedback

99.9%

Store

Fongan

• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

Yes

Returns Policy

Money Back - Returns Accepted within 30 Days (Buyer pays Shipping Cost)