Europa – Stories and Myths

Two new special stamps, printed together on 4-stamp sheetlets, are Liechtenstein's contribution to this year's Europa stamps. The member states of the Association of European Postal Operators (PostEurop) issue stamps on a common theme every year, and in 2022 it is stories and myths.

"The White Woman" (face value: CHF 1.80) is a figure that appears in numerous legends and myths in these parts. As a rule, she appears as a harmless being whom observers see by chance or notice by their having an uneasy feeling. On the stamp, the white woman floats through a field full of mulleins and slowly dissolves into thin air, just as she is said to have done, according to legend, when children encountered her. The mullein stands for fearlessness and protection from evil spirits.

The Liechtenstein alpine region is the setting for many eerie legends. A figure to be found in one such legend is "The Tälibudel" (face value: CHF 1.80). The spirit in dog-like form with fiery red eyes is said to have chased an alpine shepherd out of his hut. The illustration by Liechtenstein artist Eliane Schädler shows the scene of this tale with the fearsome creature in the background.