Canada Post - Thematic Collection #152 - Year of the Rat - Stamp and Coin Set (2008)

The Chinese Lunar Calendar has been deemed the oldest surviving calendar system in the world. Every lunar year is named after one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Rat begins on February 7, 2008, and ends on January 25, 2009.

People born in the Year of the Rat are believed to be natural leaders with observant and imaginative personalities. They are highly skilled at putting ideas into effect. A Rat person is an ambitious self-starter who is energetic and can adapt to a variety of circumstances.

Clever, sharp-witted and cunning are characteristics often associated with this animal. Rats are generally regarded as resourceful creatures so it is fitting that the Year of the Rat is considered a time of industry and prosperity.

Since 1998, Canada Post and the Royal Canadian Mint have been proud to join Canada's Asian communities to honour the Lunar New Year through the issue of special edition stamp and coin sets.

2008 - Thematic collection. Joint Royal Canadian Mint / Canada Post stamp and coin product.