The U.S. Postal Service today unveiled the Lunar New Year: Year of the Snake stamp at the historic Boch Center Wang Theatre. The stamp, part of the popular Lunar New Year series, was designed to honor and celebrate the diversity and cultural richness of the holiday, which marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake on Jan. 29, 2025.
Luke Grossmann, chief financial officer and executive vice president of the U.S. Postal Service, dedicated the stamp during a ceremony that included remarks from local and national leaders. “Our Lunar New Year stamp series is extremely popular, and we are very proud of how it highlights and celebrates America’s great diversity,” Grossmann said. “As you use these vibrant stamps to mail your letters and packages, it is our wish that the ‘Year of the Snake’ brings each of you good health, great joy, and much prosperity.”
The stamp is now available for purchase in panes of 20 at Post Offices nationwide and online at usps.com. Printed as Forever stamps, they will always equal the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.
The Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions worldwide and marks the second new moon following the winter solstice. Festivities often include parades, family gatherings, and traditional decorations in red and gold to welcome the new year and ward off evil spirits. This year, the holiday ushers in the Year of the Snake, a zodiac sign associated with wisdom, depth, and creativity. Those born under the sign of the snake are believed to excel as musicians, philosophers, and teachers, among other professions.
Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, collaborated with artist Camille Chew to create the stamp’s striking imagery. Inspired by the decorated masks used in Lunar New Year parades, the stamp features a three-dimensional snake mask adorned with symbols of spring, gold accents, and colors reflecting the wood element in Chinese culture. The mask, constructed from hand-printed paper and papier-mâché, is embellished with acrylic paint and paper flowers, capturing the vibrant spirit of the holiday. The stamp pane includes illustrations of the 12 zodiac animals, completed with gold and orange foil detailing.
The unveiling ceremony featured performances by the Wah Lum Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy Performance Troupe and singer Juliet Brownell-Lee. Distinguished participants included Tiffany Chu, chief of staff for Boston Mayor Michelle Wu; Terri Mock, Board of Directors at BCNC; and Isabel Kim, chief financial officer of the Asian American Foundation (TAAF).
The Year of the Snake will continue through Feb. 16, 2026, giving ample time for celebrations and the use of this commemorative stamp. By highlighting the cultural significance of the Lunar New Year, USPS aims to foster understanding and appreciation of America’s diverse heritage.
