Special Stamps: Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai

In October 2003, the State Postal Bureau issued a set of five special stamps featuring the Chinese folk legend of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai.

Liang and Zhu are the Romeo and Juliet of the East, whose tragic love story is known in every Chinese household.

The legend goes that Zhu disguised herself as a boy in order to be able to study. The first stamp shows her and Liang, her classmate, on Caoqiao Bridge where they meet on the way to school. The two hit it off so well they become sworn brothers. In the waters below are two fish swimming by -- a metaphor for their budding rapport.

The second stamp shows how Liang and Zhu cement their friendship at school. During this period, Zhu is captivated by Liang's intellect, but has no idea that Zhu is a girl. The two develop a fraternal relationship.

The third depicts Liang and Zhu walking together for 18 li (about 9 km) before reluctantly parting to return home from school. Despite Zhu giving Liang several hints about her identity, he remains ignorant.

The fourth stamp pictures the lovers' tearful separation in a pavilion. Missing his friend sorely, Liang goes to Zhu's home and discovers the secret, but the revelation comes too late. Zhu's father has already arranged her marriage to a local official's son. Bidding farewell in the towering pavilion, the lovers vow to share a grave if they cannot share a bed.

The fifth stamp pictures the tragic, romantic ending to the story. Soon after their parting, Liang dies of grief. On her wedding day, Zhu visits Liang's tomb to mourn. Suddenly, the mound splits and Zhu runs inside. The lovers are then reborn as butterflies.

The tale of Liang and Zhu has long been popular in China. It expresses the desire of the people in ancient times for freedom to love and marry partners of their own choice. The figures on the stamps are modeled on Yueju Opera characters. Their skilful design and use of color evoke a pleasing sense of antiquity.