The First 2018 Postage Stamps Marked with the Pillars of Gediminas
Lithuania Post started the year 2018 by issuing a series of four postage stamps to commemorate one of the most frequently seen and used symbol of the state of Lithuania, namely, the historical Pillars of Gediminas.
“These postage stamps reflect the historical development of the Pillars of Gediminas which shows how long these symbols of state have existed in the life of our nation. The Pillars of Gediminas that have survived from the 14th century are one of the most frequently used symbols of the state of Lithuania. We are delighted to welcome the centenary of the restoration of the state of Lithuania by presenting postage stamps decorated with the Pillars of Gediminas that connect the old and the new Lithuania,” Tomas Bašarovas, Communication Group Manager of Lithuania Post, said.
All the four postage stamps depict the motif of the Pillars of Gediminas that was used in different eras from the 15th to the 20th century. The postage stamps were created by a painter and a long-time participant and winner of competitions of Lithuania Post Ms Aušrelė Ratkevičienė. Self-adhesive posts with the nominal value of EUR 0.03, EUR 0.10 and EUR 0.42 were released with a circulation of 100,000. The postage stamp with the nominal value of EUR 0.39 is most frequently used and was released with a circulation of 500,000.
It is thought that the Pillars of Gediminas developed from ownership stamps, and the first fact of their use was recorded in the coat of arms of the Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas. Even in the Soviet times, when all symbols of the statehood of Lithuania were forbidden, the symbol of the Pillars of Gediminas continued to be actively used by the underground.
The Pillars of Gediminas were particularly widely used in the first half of the 20th century when the independent state of Lithuania was established. This symbol is used by the Lithuanian Armed Forces, aviation, and it is used to decorate the orders and medals of Lithuania, it has become an attribute of a number of many public associations and organisations.
Depiction of the historical and national symbol of Lithuania – the Pillars of Gediminas – is regulated by the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Coat of Arms, Emblems, and Other Insignias.
Lithuania Post releases 25-27 postage stamps annually. It also provides courier, logistical and financial intermediation services.
