The highly intelligent, charming and enterprising Rat starts off a new cycle on the Chinese zodiac calendar. Three graphic illustrations of this lively Rat ushering in the new Lunar Year 2008 are shown in this set of 3 stamps with denominations 1st Local, 65c and $1.10.

There are a total of 12 animal signs in the Chinese calendar based on five cycles of 12 years each, with each cycle tempered by 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 people born under the respective sign but also their lives and events of the year.

As the first of the 12 animal signs, those born in the year of the Rat are often said to be high achievers, leaders and great organizers. They are charismatic, practical and hard-working. Alert and creative; they succeed not only in business but in many other fields, including in trading, accountancy, management, marketing and the arts. This year, being the year of the Earth Rat, they also have an added sense of stability and desire to secure a good future for themselves and their families.

A very unique printing technique! As this is a new cycle of the Zodiac series, there is a special Collector's Sheet using a First-in-the-World printing technique. Offset Lithography with HRI (High Reflective Index) transparent hologram with morphing effect.