Christmas Seals 2012

The Faroese artist, Janus Guttesen has designed this year's Christmas Seals.

As usual, the profit of the sale goes to The Christmas Seal Foundation, which supports children- and youth work in the Faroe Islands.

Technical Details

Issue Date: 05.11.2012

Colours: 4 colour

Christmas Seals 2011

The Faroese artist, Edward Fuglø has designed this year's Christmas Seals, which depict Christmas Windows.

Christmas Window

As Advent approaches, Christmas windows begin lighting up villages and neighbourhoods, representing the first sign of the quickly approaching holiday.

The tradition of telling the world that the people in your home are celebrating Christmas is centuries old – almost as old as windows themselves in our part of the world.

In ancient times, it was common to place a candle in the window on Christmas Eve and let it burn all night until Christmas morning – if it did not burn out before then. Some women used to stay up all night to watch the burning candle as peace descended upon the house.

Christmas night must have been cosy. The holiest night of the year in a village covered with snow and under the glimmering stars, as bright windows celebrated the baby Jesus – a moment far from the arduous tasks of everyday life required just to survive.

New traditions emerged in the late nineteenth century, as more Christmas decorations from abroad reached the Faroe Islands, such as paper cuttings and other decorations to hang in windows. At first, these were probably only found in the fine houses of Torshavn and the larger villages, but the customs slowly spread to the rest of the islands.

Christmas windows also changed in the middle of the twentieth century with the arrival of electricity. This made it possible to buy Christmas stars made of paper with a light bulb inside, which were soon accompanied in windows by strings of small multicoloured lights. The industrial revolution made life more commercial and Christmas became a part of these modern times.

Christmas went from being a holiday lasting one to two days, to something that lasted much longer. Today it is not uncommon to see decorated Christmas windows from November until late January and there are virtually no limits to how we decorate for Christmas.

The candle in the window has now become an ocean of light that sparkles and shines in many colours. Entire houses, ships, and even villages shine out, virtually sweeping away the dark and heavy days. Christmas is a children’s holiday that also awakens the childish spirit in adults as we are moved by the Christmas spirit.

Happily and full of anticipation, we go up to the attic to get our Christmas decorations – including something beautiful to hang in the Christmas window.

Edward Fuglø

Christmas Seals 2010

The young Faroese artist, Janus á Húsagarði has designed this year's Christmas Seals, which depict a Faroese winter landscape with elfes.
Together with the Christmas Seals is a cute little Christmas story. As usual, the profit of the sale goes to The Christmas Seal Foundation, which supports children- and youth work in the Faroe Islands.

Christmas Seals 2009

Canção tradicional Faroesa de Natal Eu sou o Pai Natal

Eu sou o Pai Natal,
minha barba é espessa e cinza.
Meu casaco de algodão e calças são negros,
Eu moro na colina dos elfos.

Natal se aproxima,
Eu prefiro ficar aqui,
Agora é o momento de brincar e de alegria,
porque o Natal se aproxima.

Quando chegamos ao mês do Advento,
e o Natal se aproxima,
Eu só penso em presentes de Natal
para as meninas e meninos das Faroés.

Eu sei que eles estão olhando para a frente,
nas vilas e cidades,
Há um monte de presentes,
porque ninguém quer o mesmo.

É por isso que começar cedo
para recolher os brinquedos,
bonito de ver,
alegra os corações das crianças.

Aqui estão as bonecas e casas de bonecas,
cavalos, carros e barcos,
um avião pequeno bonito
e um monte de soldadinhos de chumbo.

Há patos e gansos e galinhas,
lam e ovinos e bovinos,

que canta, quando se gira.

Aqui estão todos os tipos de animais,
aves e peixes pequenos,
o cachorro cutest little
e um gatinho.

Aqui estão as fitas de seda mais justa,
amarelo, vermelho e azul,
broches, alfinetes e anéis,
e os lotes de relógios minúsculos.

Há flautas e instrumentos,
todas elas som muito bom;
mas nada bate a beleza
da boneca chorando.

Tudo que uma criança poderia desejar,
No Doubt - I have it all.
Agora é só trazer a Natal,
meu saco está cheio e cheio.
Letra: Marius Johannesen
Música: H. J. Højgaard (English version) I am Father Christmas

I am Father Christmas,
my beard is thick and grey.
My cotton coat and pants are black,
I dwell in the hill of elves.

Christmas is drawing near,
I prefer to stay right here,
now is the time for play and joy,
because Christmas is drawing near.

When we reach the Advent month,
and Christmas is drawing near,
I only think of Christmas gifts
for Faroese girls and boys.

I know they’re looking forward to it,
in villages and towns,
there are a lot of presents,
because nobody wants the same.

That’s why I start early
to collect the toys,
beautiful to watch,
gladdens childrens hearts.

Here are dolls and dolls’ houses,
horses, cars and boats,
a beautiful little airplane
and lots of tin soldiers.

There are ducks and geese and fowls,
sheep and lam and cattle,

which sings when it whirls.

Here are all kind of animals,
birds and tiny fish,
the cutest little puppy
and a little kitten.

Here are the fairest silk ribbons,
yellow, red and blue,
brooches, pins and rings,
and lots of tiny watches.

There are flutes and instruments,
they all sound very good;
but nothing beats the beauty
of the crying doll.

Everything a child could wish for,
no doubt - I have it all.
Now just bring on Christmas,
my bag is stuffed and full.

Lyrics: Marius Johannesen
Tune: H. J. Højgaard

Vinhetas de Natal / Christmas Seals 2007

Em 2007 a artista Astrid Andreasen ilustrou as vinhetas de Natal com imagens do puro divertimento que é proporcionado pelos mais diversos jogos de inverno sobre a neve branca das Ilhas Faroé.
A mini-folha foi emitida no dia 1 de Novembro de 2007.

(English version)
Astrid Andreasen was the illustrator artist of the 2007 Christmas Seals. The Seals has images of pure entertainment that is provided by the most diverse sets of winter games on the white snow of the Faroe Islands.

The mini-sheet was issued on November 1, 2007.

Vinhetas de Natal / Christmas Seals 2006

Em 2006, Edward Fuglø decidiu tornar a mini-folha das vinhetas de Natal um pouco mais doce ao nela representar bolos típicos das Ilhas Faroé.
A mini-folha foi emitida no dia 1 de Novembro de 2006.

(English version)
In 2006, Edward Fuglø decided to make the mini-sheet of Christmas Seals a little more sweet by representing typical Faroese Christmas cakes.

The mini-sheet was issued on November 1, 2006.

Vinhetas de Natal / Christmas Seals 2005

Mais um ano em falta...

(English version)
Another missing year...

Vinhetas de Natal / Christmas Seals 2004

A artista Astrid Andreasen foi a responsável pelos desenhos do ano de 2004. O desenhos representam elfos dançando, vestidos com roupa adequada para o clima encontrado nas ilhas Faroé.
A mini-folha com 30 vinhetas foi emitida em 15 de Novembro de 2004.

Não publico imagem da mini-folha deste ano, porque não a possuo.
Agradeço a quem me possua dar uma ajuda a obte-la...

(English version)
The artist Astrid Andreasen was responsible for design of 2004. The drawings represent elves dancing clad in clothes suitable for the climate found in the Faroe Islands. The mini-sheet with 30 seals was issued on November 15, 2004.

I could not publish the picture of the mini-sheet, because do not have it. I thank those who could give me a helping hand to retrieve it...

Vinhetas de Natal / Christmas Seals 2003

Em 2003, Edward Fuglø é novamente convidado, para ilustrar as vinhetas de Natal desse ano. O tema escolhido, foi os diversos tipos de padrões de tricô, utilizados nas Ilhas Faroé, para fazer cachecois, luvas, meias e até mantas. Muitos dos padrões representados, têm nomes bastante poéticos como: ‘Ondas’, ‘Dia e Noite’, ‘Estrelas’, ‘Olho de Ganso’ ou ‘Cabeça de Cavalo’.
A mini-folha com 30 vinhetas, foi emitida em 3 de Novembro de 2003.

‘Trolls’ de Natal, são pedaços inacabados de tricô, verdadeira vergonha para a quem o faz e não consegue acabá-lo antes da noite de Natal. Tradicionalmente, eram pendurados na sala de estar, junto da lareira.

(English version)
In 2003, Edward Fuglø is again invited to illustrate the Christmas seals of this year. The theme chosen was the different types of knitting patterns, used in the Faroe Islands, to make scarves, gloves, socks and even blankets. Many of the patterns represented, have very poetic names like: 'Wave', 'Day and Night', 'Stars’, ‘Goose Eye’ or ‘Head of Horse’.
The mini-sheet with 30 seals was issued on November 3, 2003.

'Trolls' for Christmas, are pieces of unfinished knitting, real shame for the knitter that do not finish it before the night of Christmas. Traditionally, they were hung in the living room, close to the fireplace.

Vinhetas de Natal / Christmas Seals 2002

Em 2002, a artista Astrid Andreasen, criou peças de artesanato, em papel, representando cristais de neve, nas suas mais diversas formas. Essa mesmas peças, foram a base dos desenhos das vinhetas de Natal desse ano. Os cristais de neve, fazem-nos lembrar como é o Inverno nas Ilhas Faroés e o Natal é Branco, a côr da neve.
A mini-folha, com 30 vinhetas, foi emitida no dia 4 de Novembro de 2002.

(English version)
In 2002, the artist Astrid Andreasen, created pieces of paper handicrafts, representing crystals of snow in their ways. Those pieces were the basis for the design of for the Christmas Seals this year. The crystals of snow, makes us remember how the winter in the Faroe Islands is and the White Christmas. The mini-sheet, with 30 seals was issued on November 4, 2002.

Vinhetas de Natal / Christmas Seals 2001

As vinhetas do Natal do ano de 2001, foram ilustradas por Edward Fuglø, que escolheu representar as constelações do hemisfério norte.
A mini-folha, com 30 vinhetas foi emitida em 05 de Novembro de 2001.

(English version)
The Christmas seals in 2001 were illustrated by Edward Fuglø, who chose to represent constellations of the northern hemisphere.
The mini-sheet, with 30 seals was issued on 05 November 2001

First row: Perseus, Sagitta, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Lyra.
Second row: Equuleus, Orion, Canis Major, Cassiopeia, Corvus.
Third row: Aquarius, Cancer, Crater, Cetus, Pegasus.
Fourth row: Grus, Corona Borealis, Aries, Scutum, Taurus.
Fifth row: Virgo, Lepus, Boötes, Leo, Cygnus.
Sixth row: Monoceros, Andromeda, Delphinus, Auriga, Canis Minor.

Vinhetas de Natal / Christmas Seals 2000

O tema da Natividade 2000 anos atrás e dos 1000 Anos de cristianismo nas Ilhas Faroé, foi o escolhido para ilustrar as vinhetas do Ano 2000. As figuras representadas na mini-folha são alusivas ao Natal descrito pelo Evangelho segundo São Lucas.
O desenho é de Anker Eli Petersen e as vinhetas foram emitidas em 6 de Novembro de 2000.

(English version)
The theme of the Nativity 2000 years ago and the 1000 Years of Christianity in the Faroe Islands was chosen to illustrate the Christmas Seals of the Year 2000. The figures represented in the mini-sheet are depicting the Christmas Gospel According to St. Luke.

The design is by Anker Eli Petersen and the seals were issued on November 6, 2000.

Vinhetas de Natal / Christmas Seals 1999

Desenhada por Edward Fuglø, a mini-folha com as vinhetas do Natal de 1999, mostram-nos diferentes tipos de Presentes de Natal, através do século XX.
A mini-folha com trinta vinhetas foi emitida no dia 1 de Novembro de 1999.

(English version)
Designed by Edward Fuglø, the mini-sheet with Christmas Seals of 1999, show us different types of Christmas presents, through the twentieth century.
The mini-sheet with thirty seals was issued on November 1, 1999.

Vinhetas de Natal / Christmas Seals 1998

As vinhetas do Natal de1998, desenhadas por Anker Eli Petersen e colocadas à venda em 2 de Novembro de 1998, apresentam motivos de Natal alusivos aos santos dos dias de Dezembro. Alguns destes são santos católicos, outros são santos homens nórdicos.

(English version)
The 1998 Christmas Seals, designed by Anker Eli Petersen and put up for sale on November 2, 1998, show us Christmas Motifs depicting saints connected with the individual days in December.. Some of these are Catholic saints and other Nordic holy men.

1st December Arnold
2nd December St. Bibiana
3rd December St. Sveinur
4th December St. Barbara
5th December St. Sabina
6th December St. Nicholas
7th December St. Agaton
8th December The Immaculate Conception
9th December Rólvur
10th December Judith
11th December Damasus
12th December Epimachos
13th December St. Lucia
14th December Crispus
15th December Nikatius
16th December St. Lazarus
17th December Albina
18th December Gatianus
19th December Nemesius
20th December Abraham -- patriarch
21st December St. Thomas
22nd December Japetus
23rd December St. Tollak
24th December Adam
25th December Christmas Day
26th December Stephen -- First Christian Martyr
27th December St. John the Evangelist
28th December Holy Innocents
29th December Noah
30th December David

Vinhetas de Natal / Christmas Seals 1997

Em 1997, Edward Fuglø foi o ilustrador escolhido para desenhar as vinhetas de Natal. Ele utilizou utensilios domésticos e brinquedos para representar o Natal nas Ilhas Faroé.
A mini-folha com 30 vinhetas foi emitida em 3 de Novembro de 1997.

(English version)
In 1997, Edward Fuglø was chosen as illustrator of the Christmas Seals. He used household items and toys to represent the Faroese Christmas.

The mini-sheet with 30 seals was issued on November 3, 1997.

Vinhetas de Natal / Christmas Seals 1996

Em 1996 Rasmus Rasmussen ilustrou as vinhetas de Natal com desenhos de flores de Natal das Ilhas Faroé.
As mini-folhas foram emitidas em 4 de Novembro de 1996.

(English version)
In 1996 Rasmus Rasmussen illustrated the Christmas seals with drawings of Faroese Christmas flowers.

The mini-sheets were issued on November 4, 1996

Vinhetas de Natal / Christmas Seals 1995

Em 1995, Oli Petersen foi novamente escolhido para desenhar as vinhetas de Natal. ‘É tempo de celebrar o Natal’ foi o tema escolhido para ilustrar as vinhetas.
A mini-folha com 30 vinhetas foi emitida em 6 de Novembro de 1995.

(English version)
In 1995, Oli Petersen was again chosen to design the Christmas Seals. 'It is time to celebrate the Christmas' was the theme chosen to illustrate the seals.

The mini-sheet with 30 seals was issued on November 6, 1995.

Vinhetas de Natal / Christmas Seals 1994

As vinhetas de 1994, com desenho de Óli Petersen, apresentam motivos de Natal, sobre o mapa do arquipélago das Ilhas Faroé.
As mini-folhas com 30 vinhetas, foram emitidas em 7 de Novembro de 1994.

(English version)
The Christmas seals of 1994, with design of Oli Petersen, have Christmas motifs over the Faroe Islands map.

The mini-sheets with 30 seals were issued on November 7, 1994.

Vinhetas de Natal / Christmas Seals 1993

Em 1993, Astrid Andreasen voltou a desenhar as vinhetas de Natal e nelas representou diferentas candelabros para o Natal.
A mini-folha com 30 vinhetas foi emitida em 01.11.1993.

(English version)
In 1993, Astrid Andreasen again draw the Christmas Seals and they represent different candlelight for Christmas.
The mini-sheet of 30 seals was issued on 01.11.1993.

Vinhetas de Natal / Christmas Seals 1992

Com desenho de Astrid Andreasen, as vinhetas de Natal de 1992, mostram-nos aves do Inverno.
A mini-folha foi emitida em 2 de Novembro de 1992.

(English version)
With design of Astrid Andreasen, the Christmas Seals of 1992, show us winter birds.
The mini-sheet was issued on November 2, 1992.