Angel and sleigh

Christmas stamps of Finland

The Christmas stamps of Finland were issued on 1 November 2002. As previously, there are two stamps: the theme of the 60 cent stamp is an angel blowing a horn, and the 45 cent stamp depicts a sleigh ride from a Christmas service. The stamps were designed by Nina Rantala.

Angels

Angels have always had a significant position in Christian art. These celestial spirits are depicted as humans with wings. They got wings in visual arts in the late antiquity, due to influences from ancient Eastern cultures.
The first angels were depicted as men. They were generally seen as young, vital men dressed in white: in accordance with their task either as heralds of God, celestial war heroes or strong conquerors of evil. Medieval and early Renaissance artists depicted angels also as women. Renaissance and especially Baroque artists also painted and sculpted chubby child angels with wings.

Angels are closely related to Christmas

Angels are closely related to Christmas. The gospel according to Saint Luke tells how Angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary apprising her of the birth of Jesus. According to the Christmas gospel, an angel appeared to shepherds in the field and told them about the birth of the Saviour.

Attending a Christmas service

Attending a Christmas service is a common Christmas tradition in Finland. In the past people went to church on the morning of Christmas Day by horse and sleigh. Therefore service began before dawn. They often had to depart for church in the small hours. Today, Finns rather prefer to attend services in the afternoon or evening of Christmas Eve, and generally drive their own car. Despite these changes, the tradition of listening to the message of Christmas is still alive. Christmas Eve is the most popular day to visit church, followed by Christmas Day.
Postage stamp issue: Finland, 1 November 2002