Finland: Christmas stamps

Stamps designed by Katriina Viljamaa-Rissanen

This year's Christmas stamps were designed by Ms Katriina Viljamaa-Rissanen. The 2.50 mk stamp, specially denominated for Christmas cards, features "Tiernapojat", the players in a traditional Finnish Christmas tableau, while the 3.50 mk stamp, postage for domestic 1st class letters, depicts a Christmas decoration with birds.
The 2.50 mk stamp is valid postage for Christmas cards until 15 December 2000. Cards sent later will need a 3.50 mk stamp. These are the first ever self-adhesive Christmas stamps of Finland. The die lines along the sheet, that do not touch the stamps, are also a new feature.

Katriina Viljama-Rissanen

Katriina Viljama-Rissanen is first and foremost known as an illustrator of children's books, but her art is also featured on a collection of textiles she designed for Finlayson, and on crockery by Pentik. The artist took great pleasure in the task of designing stamps, both because of the challenge and the subjects. Katriina Viljama-Rissanen says that Tiernapojat, a Christmas tableau based upon the legend of the three kings, has fascinated her since her childhood. This gave her a good reason to study the history of the tableau, its costumes and use of colors.

Katriina Viljamaa-Rissanen

The result of her work is a beautiful stamp featuring the characters of the tableau; King Herod, his servant the Knight, the King of the Blackmoors and the Bearer, carrying a six-pointed star, singing a text on events relating to the birth of Christ. For the second Christmas stamp Ms Viljamaa-Rissanen drew a straw decoration with a bird motif. The picture reminds us of the old tradition of caring for the well-being of animals at Christmas: a sheaf of oats is a gift appreciated by the birds.
Katriina Viljamaa-Rissanen has received several prizes for her illustrations. Her works have been featured at several exhibitions in Finland and abroad.

More information

Stamps of Finland
Postage Stamps 2000
Christmas stamps
Finland September 2000
Tommi Mäkinen
Finland 15 March 2000
Finland January 2000

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