Legend has it that the Lord Buddha summoned all the animals to come bid him farewell before he departed the Earth. Only 12 showed up and, to show his appreciation, he named a year for each animal in the order of its arrival: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep/Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. On February 9, the Chinese will celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Rooster – he who heralds in the day and announces its exit. Canada Post will start the festivities on January 7, 2005, by issuing two stamps honouring this important celebration. A total of 8 million domestic-rate (50 cent) stamps and 1.05 million souvenir sheets of one international-rate ($1.45) stamp commemorating the Year of the Rooster will be available in post offices across the country.

Tags: Canada Lunar New Year