On 10 August 2023, UNPA issues three stamps and three souvenir sheets on the theme “Body, Mind and Soul”. When body, mind and soul are in harmony, one experiences good health, inner peace, and happiness. The stamps represent three UNESCO intangible cultural heritage from China that contribute to reaching such harmony – the practices of Taijiquan, Calligraphy and Guqin and its music.
US$ 0.66 STAMP AND US$ 1.50 SOUVENIR SHEET – TAIJIQUAN
Taijiquan (often spelled Tai chi in the West) is a traditional physical practice characterized by relaxed, circular movements combined with breath regulation as well as the cultivation of a righteous and neutral mind. Originating during the mid-seventeenth century in Wenxian County in the Henan Province of central China, this martial art is now practised throughout the country by people of all ages and by different ethnic groups.
Taijiquan’s basic movements centre upon wubu (five steps) and bafa (eight techniques) with a series of routines, exercises and tuishou (hand-pushing skills performed with a counterpart). The element builds upon the yin and yang cycle, and the cultural understanding of the unity between heaven and humanity.
Taijiquan was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020.
