Canadian stamp stories

Issue date: November 14, 2019

We celebrate our nation’s rich cultural diversity with a new issue for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. In 2019, the annual eight-day celebration takes place from nightfall on December 22 to nightfall on December 30.

Beginning on the 25^th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, Hanukkah – also known as the Festival of Lights – commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabees’ triumphant fight for religious freedom. The Temple’s menorah – a sacred candelabra – was required to burn continuously; however, only a day’s worth of oil remained after the battle. Miraculously, that small amount kept the light aglow until the oil supply was replenished, eight days later.

According to Lionel Gadoury of Context Creative, the stamp design explores the relationship of light and darkness for a fresh interpretation of the holiday’s colours. Combining a stylized menorah with layered details, patterned and nuanced hues – from bright yellow to deep magenta and purple – the intent is to evoke a sense of reflection and contemplation.