2026Year of the Horse - Set

On 17 February 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse begins according to Chinese astrology. The Fire Horse symbolically represents energy, movement, leadership, and intensity.

These characteristics form the foundation of the design. For this reason, dynamic, flame-inspired horse illustrations and warm, powerful colors were chosen. By applying
tone-on-tone color combinations to each individual stamp, cohesion within the series is achieved, while allowing each stamp to maintain its own distinct character and
energy.

In Chinese culture, the Fire Horse is regarded as strong, spirited and untamed animal which is sometimes even challenging. For this reason, many positive and encouraging
traditional expressions (Chengyu, consisting of four characters) exist to guide and channel this powerful energy. To emphasize the Chinese look and feel of the stamps, these
traditional sayings have been incorporated into the design. They correspond with the illustrated horses and their dynamic movement.

The following expressions are included in the design:

Success upon the horse’s arrival
A widely used expression wishing a prosperous start and immediate success.

The spirit of the dragon and the horse
Represents vitality, life energy, and inner strength.

The horse does not stop its hooves
Symbolizes perseverance, momentum, and tireless effort.

Urging on a fast horse
Refers to ambition, acceleration, and making the most of the momentum.

A horse takes the lead
Used to describe someone who leads with initiative and courage.

An old horse knows the way
Expresses the idea that experience brings wisdom.

A brief explanation of these expressions is also included on the sheet margin.

Together, these sayings tell a meaningful story that aligns with the Year of the Fire Horse: from a powerful beginning, through energy and movement, toward acceleration and success. The combination of imagery, color, and text ensures that the series is not only visually compelling but also culturally grounded, while the warm color palette and expressive style reflect the vibrancy and light of Curaçao.