New Stamp Release for Language Day
In celebration of the occasion, Ukrposhta unveils a new postage release titled 'Language', aimed at supporting the Ukrainian word: communicating in Ukrainian means preserving our cultural identity and historical legacy.
'Language unites, inspires, and keeps us together even when attempts are made to divide us. This topic is particularly important to us at Ukrposhta,' emphasized the General Director of Ukrposhta, Ihor Smiliansky. 'Because everything starts with a word, with a letter, with those few lines written from the heart. It is these that create genuine communication — sincere, warm, or with a touch of wit, but nonetheless ours, Ukrainian. And remembering that the best word is the one that comes from the heart should not be limited to just this day.'
He noted that the new postal stamp reflects the beauty, depth, and strength of the Ukrainian language. It represents our memory, our defense, and our love. Each element and each word in this painting has its own meaning.
'At the center of the composition is a woman in national attire, with a wreath and beads. Next to her is a white bird, a symbol of freedom and purity, as well as a rooster that embodies fire and awakening,' explained Ihor Smiliansky. 'Surrounding them is a world blooming with viburnum and sunflowers. The sunflower always represents the sun, light, and prosperity, while the viburnum symbolizes love, motherhood, beauty, but also courage and resilience.'
Nearby, on a boat, sits Kozak Mamay with a kobza. He symbolizes freedom and the song that remembers history. Behind him, the sun rises, and within his heart stands a wooden church. This image represents spirituality and revival. Above it all, colorful ribbons from the wreath rise: green for youth and life, blue for sky and water, yellow-orange for the fertility of the earth.
The proposed postal set includes: a 'Language' sheet, a 'First Day' envelope, and a card.
The sketches created by the artist Mykola Kochubey feature symbols that connect the past and the present. They embody the role of the Ukrainian language as a source of the spiritual life of the people, a language that shapes identity and affirms the state. Each one tells a story of the diversity of Ukrainian culture.
Mykola Kochubey is a Ukrainian graphic artist whose works are kept in the National Museum of Taras Shevchenko.
The print run of the stamp is 180,000 copies.
On the envelope are the words of Bukovinian writer and composer Sydir Vorobkevych: 'Native language, native word! Who forgets you, has no heart in their chest, but only a stone.'
The postal set can be pre-ordered at the postal market, and from October 30, it will be available for purchase both online and in post offices and philatelic stores. Price: 190 UAH.
