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 one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth.

The intelligent, analytical and graceful Snake, sixth in the Zodiac Cycle, starts off yet another New Year on the Chinese zodiac calendar in 2013. Three graphic illustrations of this powerful Snake ushering in the new Lunar Year 2013 are shown in this set stamps of 1st Local, 65c and $1.10.

Being the sixth of the 12 animal signs, those born in the year of the Snake are often said to be analytical, influential and insightful. Excellent problem solvers with deep philosophical understanding and always thrive well under tight deadlines, they are wonderful co-workers in any team. In the midst of the busy work schedule, they know how to wind down and relax when such opportunity arises, especially by nature, they are people who prefer living a life of calmness, selecting quietness over noise.

As 2013 is the year of the Water Snake, they are influential, motivated and highly intellectual to see things from other points of view. They work well with others and enjoy being appreciated for the work they do. Contemplative and private people they are, and they usually disclose their feelings only to those closest to them, and act according to their own judgement and often not follow the opinions provided by others.

Famous personalities born in the Snake year include Bob Dylan, Art Garfunkel, Anne Rice, Mao Zedong, Franz Schubert and Andre Previn.

A pack of hongbao featuring the Snake stamp design will be given free with every purchase of the Zodiac - Snake Collector's Sheet.

Collector's Sheet featuring the special printing technique of offset printing with metallic ink with application of UV varnish and hidden images (stamps only).