The Eight Immortals Cross the Sea

On July 30, 2004, the State Postal Bureau issued its first asymmetrical perforated stamp in tribute to the popular tale of how the Eight Immortals Crossed the Sea.

The Eight Immortals are the most important figures in Chinese Taoist mythology. Each carried with them a magical object: a drum, a fan, a sword, a gourd, a bamboo flute, castanets, a basket of flowers and a lotus. Wherever they went they helped the weak and poor, punished evil-doers and encouraged people to do good. Immortality was their reward for such good deeds.

There are many stories about the Eight Immortals. The most famous is of how they walked across the sea. The story goes that on arriving on the edge of the East Sea one day, they were faced with high winds and crashing waves. One of their number, Lu Dongbin, suggested that rather than take a boat they each throw their special object on to the boiling waters. All eight agreed, and after hurling their talismans onto the stormy waves, they used them as stepping-stones to cross the ocean.

There are many Chinese literary works about the eight immortals, and their talismans are commonly used motifs in Chinese households. In former times they were believed to drive away evil and bring good luck, and were frequently seen on bridal sedan chairs and infants' clothing. Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) blue and white porcelain vases frequently feature scenes of the Eight Immortals extending birthday congratulations to Queen Mother of the West. There is also an Eight Immortals' table -- old-fashioned, square and large enough to seat eight people.

This is the first asymetrical perforated stamp ever issued by the State Postal Bureau. Moreover, it is the first souvenir picturing a Chinese fairy tale, and the only single stamp souvenir sheet to be issued this year.