Issue: Australian Folklore Waltzing Matilda
Type: official post office cover
Number of Stamps: 5
Stamps Denomination: 22c, 22c, 22c, 22c, 22c,
Issue Date: 7 May 1980
Issued By: Australian Folklore
Australian Folklore Waltzing Matilda
Australian Folklore Waltzing Matilda
Australian Folklore:
Australian folklore refers to the traditional beliefs, customs, stories, songs, and legends passed down through generations within the Australian culture. These tales often reflect the country’s unique history, landscape, and indigenous heritage. Some elements of Australian folklore include bush ballads, mythical creatures like the Bunyip, and stories of legendary bushrangers like Ned Kelly.
First Day Cover (FDC):
A First Day Cover is an envelope or postcard that bears a postage stamp that is postmarked on its first day of issue. It is a popular practice among stamp collectors to create FDCs, as they are seen as collectible items. FDCs are often adorned with special cachets (decorative designs) that relate to the stamp’s theme or occasion.
More About Australian Folklore Waltzing Matilda
Waltzing Matilda is a famous Australian folk song written by poet Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton Paterson) in 1895. It is one of the most beloved and well-known songs in Australian culture and has become an integral part of Australian folklore.
The title, “Waltzing Matilda,” combines two Australian slang terms:
- “Waltzing” – In this context, it means to travel on foot, carrying one’s belongings in a “swag” (a bedroll or bundle).
- “Matilda” – Refers to a swag, which is the bundle containing a traveller’s belongings.
The song tells the story of a swagman (a traveller) who comes across a billabong (a waterhole) while roaming the Australian outback. He decides to camp there for the night and boils some billy tea (tea made in a tin can) before encountering a stray jumbuck (a sheep). Tempted by the prospect of having fresh mutton to eat, the swagman steals the sheep. However, he is soon pursued by the sheep’s owner, a squatter (a landowner or rancher), and three policemen. Rather than surrendering, the swagman chooses to end his life by jumping into the billabong, using the phrase “you’ll never catch me alive” in the song’s lyrics.
Waltzing Matilda
has deep cultural significance for Australians, and it is often seen as a reflection of the country’s history, pioneering spirit, and the hardships faced by early settlers and travelers. The song has been used as an emblem of Australian identity, and it resonates with the themes of independence, resilience, and freedom.
Over the years, “Waltzing Matilda” has been covered by numerous musicians and has been adapted into various forms of media, including movies, books, and theatrical performances. It is regularly sung at national events, sports competitions, and gatherings, and is even considered by some as an unofficial national anthem of Australia.
postage stamps
There have been several postage stamps issued by Australia that celebrate various aspects of Australian folklore. These stamps often depict iconic figures, mythical creatures, historical events, and stories significant to Australian culture and traditions. Here are a few examples of postage stamps related to Australian folklore:
Waltzing Matilda Stamp (1995):
As previously mentioned, “Waltzing Matilda” is a famous Australian folk song, and it has been commemorated on postage stamps. In 1995, a stamp was issued to celebrate the centenary of the song’s first public performance. The stamp featured an image related to the iconic narrative of the swagman and the billabong.
Ned Kelly Stamp (1990):
Ned Kelly, one of Australia’s most famous bushrangers, has become a legendary figure in Australian folklore. A postage stamp was issued in 1990 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his death. The stamp depicted an image of Ned Kelly in his distinctive Armor.
The Bunyip Stamp (1970):
The Bunyip is a mythical creature from Australian Aboriginal folklore, often depicted as a large water-dwelling creature. In 1970, a stamp was issued featuring a representation of the Bunyip to celebrate this aspect of Australian folklore.
Please keep in mind that these examples are just a few instances of Australian folklore-related stamps, and there may be other stamps that celebrate different aspects of Australian cultural heritage and folklore.