2018-11-02 Fri

The Maypole definitive stamp of Aland Islands is one of those stamps which reflect a unique tradition of the country. Though this stamp is a part of a definitive series, it is more of a commemorative stamp which honours the unusual folklore of the country.

A maypole is a tall wooden pole erected as a part of various European folk festivals, around which a maypole dance often takes place. There is a maypole in nearly every village in the whole of Åland. The maypole that is properly decorated with green leaves and flowers is typical of midsummer in Åland and is an ancient symbol of fertility and greenery.

This famous folk art/dance is featured on a beautiful blue stamp of the Aland Islands. Denominated 1.50 Finnish Markka this stamp features a brilliantly decorated maypole in the right column and a small toy in the left which has the name of the country on top and the value at the bottom.

The stamp is made of the peaceful blue colour of summer sky as the Maypole season falls during midsummer which is one of the favourite festivals of the Ålanders.

Image Courtesy: https://colnect.com