Issue:   Germany 1960 Oberammergau Passionsspiele Stamp

Type:   Stamp

Number of Stamps:   1

Denominations:    10 PF

Issue Date:   1960

Issued By:   Germany Deutsche Post ( Deutschland )

About

The Oberammergau Passionsspiele Stamp commemorates the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play, which is a religious theatrical performance depicting the Passion of Christ (the final days of Jesus Christ leading to his crucifixion). The Oberammergau Passion Play is traditionally performed every ten years in the small Bavarian village of Oberammergau, Germany, and is a significant cultural and religious event.

Issuance:

Date of Issue:

The stamp was released in 1960 to mark the upcoming Passion Play scheduled for 1960 in Oberammergau.

Commemoration:

It celebrates the Oberammergau Passion Play, a tradition that dates back to the 17th century, when villagers made a vow to perform the play every ten years if they were spared from the plague.

Design:

Passion Play Theme:

The stamp typically features imagery related to the Passion of Christ, possibly including representations of Christ, the cross, or the village of Oberammergau itself. The design reflects the solemn and religious nature of the play.

Artistic Style:

The stamp’s artwork is likely detailed and symbolic, representing the historic and religious significance of the play. The use of traditional Bavarian elements may also be present, showcasing the cultural heritage of the region.

Typography:

The stamp includes text identifying it as a commemoration of the Passionsspiele (Passion Play), along with the year of issue (1960) and the denomination.

Denomination:

The stamp was issued with a specific value suitable for postal rates in Germany at the time, allowing it to be used for regular mail.

Significance:

Historical Importance of the Passion Play:

The Oberammergau Passion Play originated in 1634 when the villagers promised to perform the play every ten years as an act of thanksgiving for being spared from the plague. The tradition has continued for centuries and draws visitors from around the world to witness the performance.

Religious and Cultural Impact:

The play is performed over several months and involves nearly the entire population of the village. It is a significant event in both religious and cultural terms, representing a unique blend of faith and community tradition.

1960 Performance:

The stamp marked the 1960 performance of the play, which was the 32nd time the Passion Play had been staged since its inception.

Collectibility:

Philatelic Value:

The stamp is highly collectible, particularly for those interested in religious themes, cultural events, and Bavarian history. As a commemoration of a rare and significant event, the stamp is sought after by both general and thematic collectors.

First Day Covers and Special Issues:

Collectors may also find first-day covers or special cancellation stamps issued in conjunction with the 1960 Passion Play, further adding to its value.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Bavarian Tradition:

The Oberammergau Passion Play is a deep-rooted tradition in Bavarian culture, reflecting the region’s religious devotion and sense of community. The play is performed in the Bavarian dialect and has been modernized over the years to appeal to contemporary audiences while maintaining its core religious message.

Global Significance:

The play has become an internationally recognized event, attracting audiences from around the globe. The Oberammergau Passion Play is one of the most enduring and well-known Passion Plays in the world.

Summary:

The Stamp commemorates the historic Oberammergau Passion Play a religious theatrical event held every ten years in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau. The stamp celebrates the 1960 performance of this world-renowned play which depicts the Passion of Christ. With its rich religious and cultural significance the stamp is a valuable item for collectors interested in religious themes Bavarian culture and historical commemorations.

Issue:   Germany 1960 St.Bernward St.Godehard Stamp

Type:   Stamp

Number of Stamps:   1

Denominations:   20  PF

Issue Date:   1960

Issued By:   Germany Deutsche Post ( Deutschland )

About

The St. Bernward and St. Godehard Stamp is a commemorative stamp issued by West Germany in 1960, celebrating two significant figures in the history of the Church and the region of Hildesheim. This stamp is part of a series that honors historical and religious figures, and it highlights the importance of St. Bernward and St. Godehard, two influential bishops of Hildesheim.

Background and Context

In the early 1960s, West Germany issued a series of stamps to commemorate important historical and religious figures. The St. Bernward and St. Godehard Stamp was released as part of this series, specifically focusing on these two saints who played crucial roles in the history of the Hildesheim region.

St. Bernward

St. Bernward (circa 960–1022) was the Bishop of Hildesheim, a city in Lower Saxony, Germany. He is renowned for his contributions to the church and the local community. During his time as bishop, he was known for his strong leadership, devotion to the church, and significant contributions to the construction of churches and religious buildings. He played a pivotal role in the architectural and cultural development of the region.

St. Bernward is particularly famous for his patronage of the arts and his efforts to beautify the church. He was instrumental in the construction of the Church of St. Michael in Hildesheim, which is known for its impressive architecture and artistic treasures. His legacy is marked by his dedication to both the spiritual and cultural development of his community.

St. Godehard

St. Godehard (circa 960–1038) was another important Bishop of Hildesheim. He succeeded St. Bernward and continued his work in the diocese. Known for his piety and dedication, St. Godehard was instrumental in the further development of the church and its institutions. He is remembered for his efforts in supporting the clergy and promoting religious life in the region.

St. Godehard contributions to the church were significant, and his work ensured the continuation of the religious and cultural development initiated by St. Bernward. He is celebrated for his role in sustaining and advancing the Christian faith in Hildesheim during a pivotal period in its history.

Design of the Stamp

The Stamp features portraits of the two saints. The design is carefully crafted to honor their historical and religious significance. The stamp typically includes detailed and respectful depictions of both bishops, highlighting their attire and attributes that signify their roles as church leaders.

The artwork on the stamp reflects the artistic style of the period and emphasizes the historical importance of the figures being commemorated. The design aims to convey both reverence and historical accuracy, presenting St. Bernward and St. Godehard in a manner that respects their contributions to the church and the community.

Historical Significance

The issuance of this stamp in 1960 was part of a broader effort by West Germany to recognize and commemorate important historical and religious figures. By highlighting St. Bernward and St. Godehard, the stamp pays tribute to their contributions to the church and their impact on the Hildesheim region.

The stamp serves as a reminder of the rich religious and cultural heritage of Hildesheim. It acknowledges the important role played by these bishops in shaping the history of the area and promoting the Christian faith. Their work in building and supporting the church left a lasting legacy that continues to be recognized and celebrated.

Collectibility and Appeal

The St. Bernward and St. Godehard  is of interest to philatelists and collectors for several reasons. First, it commemorates significant historical and religious figures, making it valuable for those interested in church history and religious studies. Second, the stamp is part of a series issued by West Germany, adding to its collectible value for those who collect stamps from specific periods or themes.

Collectors may seek this stamp for its historical significance and its depiction of important religious figures. It serves as a valuable addition to collections focused on religious history, church architecture, or German philately.

Conclusion

The Stamp is a significant commemorative issue that honors two important bishops of Hildesheim. Released by West Germany, the stamp highlights the contributions of St. Bernward and St. Godehard to the church and their impact on the region. The detailed design of the stamp reflects their historical and religious significance, making it a valuable piece for collectors and a testament to their lasting legacy. This stamp not only celebrates their individual achievements but also serves as a reminder of the rich religious and cultural history of Hildesheim. The stamp’s design, featuring portraits of the two saints, reflects both their historical importance and the artistic style of the time. It highlights their contributions to church architecture, religious life, and the cultural heritage of the region. By celebrating their achievements, the stamp not only acknowledges their individual legacies but also emphasizes the broader historical and religious significance of their work.

Issue:   Germany 1960 Cept Stamp

Type:   Stamp

Number of Stamps:   1

Denominations:   40 PF

Issue Date:   1960

Issued By:   Germany Deutsche Post ( Deutschland )

About

The 1960 CEPT stamp issued by Germany holds significant historical value, both philatelically and symbolically, as it commemorates a pivotal moment in European history. CEPT stands for the “Conférence Européenne des Administrations des Postes et des Télécommunications” (European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations), an organization established to foster cooperation between the postal and telecommunications sectors of various European countries. This organization later played a role in the foundation of the modern European Union’s communications systems.

The stamp, issued on September 19, 1960, was part of a wider initiative to promote unity and collaboration among European nations in the post-war era. The 1960 CEPT stamps were the first joint issue among multiple European countries, symbolizing solidarity and the shared vision of rebuilding a continent torn apart by the Second World War. As such, it marked a significant shift towards European cooperation, following the founding of organizations like the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957.

The design of the German 1960 CEPT stamp is relatively simple but meaningful. It typically featured a cogwheel, a symbol representing industry and cooperation, with the letters “CEPT” displayed prominently. The cogwheel is often interpreted as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of the European nations, each working together to achieve a common goal. The stamp’s clean design and bold imagery reflected the optimistic vision of a united Europe, working towards peace, stability, and economic prosperity.

From a philatelic perspective, this stamp is significant due to its rarity and its place in European postal history. The 1960 CEPT stamps were issued in limited quantities, making them desirable for collectors, particularly those interested in European-themed collections. As a joint issue, it also appeals to collectors who focus on collaborative postal releases. Over the years, these stamps have become sought after, not just for their historical and symbolic value but also because they marked the beginning of a tradition of joint European stamp issues, which continue to be popular among collectors today.

In conclusion, the 1960 Germany CEPT stamp is more than just a piece of postal history. It is a symbol of a new era in European relations, highlighting a time when the continent was striving to work together in the wake of the devastation left by war.

Issue:   Germany Little Red Riding Hood Stamp

Type:   Stamp

Number of Stamps:   1

Denominations:    7 + 3 PF

Issue Date:   1960

Issued By:   Germany Deutsche Post ( Deutschland )

About

The Little Red Riding Hood Stamp part of the country’s renowned Marchen series (Fairy Tale series) celebrates one of the most beloved stories from the Brothers Grimm collection. Issued in 1960 this stamp is a part of Germany’s dedication to its rich folklore heritage showcasing its love for the timeless tales that have captivated readers for generations. Little Red Riding Hood known in German as Rotkappchen is a classic tale of innocence adventure and moral lessons making it a fitting subject for a national postage stamp.

Design and Symbolism of the Stamp

The design of the Little Red Riding Hood stamp features striking and artistic imagery, often depicting the titular character wearing her iconic red hooded cape. The portrayal of Little Red Riding Hood walking through the forest captures the essence of the story’s themes caution curiosity and the dangers lurking in the unknown. The depiction of the big bad wolf one of the most iconic fairy tale villains often accompanies her in the design symbolizing the lurking danger that ultimately teaches a lesson in vigilance and cleverness.

The stamp’s visual elements appeal to both collectors and admirers of German folklore, with its bright colors and detailed illustration reminiscent of traditional fairy tale art. This stamp is part of a broader effort by the German postal service to pay homage to the Brothers Grimm who compiled these stories into a literary treasure that remains deeply rooted in German and global culture.

Significance for Collectors

From a philatelic perspective, the Little Red Riding Hood stamp is highly regarded by collectors, not only because of its enchanting design but also due to its cultural significance. Stamps from the Marchen series, including this one are popular among collectors who focus on themes related to literature folklore and national heritage. Its appeal extends beyond Germany resonating with international audiences familiar with the fairy tale.

In conclusion the Germany Little Red Riding Hood stamp is more than just a postage stamp it’s a celebration of folklore a piece of art and a collector’s treasure that continues to captivate admirers with its rich history and beautiful design.