Today we’ll again travel around the world to see some interesting new stamps that were issued in February 2024. We’ll see a bit of history and some more modern motifs.
Sassen Speyghel / Sachsenspiegel / Mirror of the Saxons is one of the most important books originating from the Holy Roman Empire. The book dates back between 1220 and 1235 and is the record of traditional laws and rulings. Some of the rules were used for hundreds of years, and the book is the basis for many laws even today.
The Mirror of The Saxons
Germany – 2024/02/01
Denomination: 225 Euro cent
“More than 400 manuscripts of the Sachsenspiegel (Mirror of the Saxons) survive, attesting to the wide dissemination and influence on the whole of Europe of this first law book in German. The most beautiful copies are the four illuminated manuscripts, all produced between 1295 and 1371, and now held in Heidelberg, Oldenburg, Dresden, and Wolfenbüttel. The most artistically valuable of these documents is the Dresden manuscript, preserved in the Saxon State and University Library. Its 924 image sequences on 92 pages are the most extensive of those in the four illuminated manuscripts, and depict approximately 4,000 persons in total. Each page is arranged in separate columns for image and text, which enhance and clarify each other, and which are linked by decorated initials. The Sachsenspiegel was written around 1220 as a compilation, in Latin, of Saxon customary law. The Saxon knight and administrator Eike von Repgow (circa 1180--circa 1233) translated the work into Middle Low German around 1220--33. The Latin original has not survived. The work is the first large legal document in German and had a profound effect on the development of the law not only in Germany but in many countries of Eastern Europe. It is in three parts: the preambles, the section detailing common law, and that defining feudal law. The preface mentions that the source of this legal code is divine order: God is himself the Law. The author requests the support of "righteous people" in the case of his having overlooked any legal questions, asking them to settle such matters in accordance with their "insight" to the best of their abilities. The Dresden manuscript was copied between 1295 and 1363, in the area of Meissen, Germany. It was severely damaged by water after the bombing of Dresden in February and March of 1945 but was restored in the 1990s.” - www.loc.gov
With spring just around the corner, it’s prefect time for some flowers and spring motifs. Post AG (Austria post) recognized that and therefore we have this beautiful stamp sheet.
The Four Seasons: Plants Make-Up Rate Stamps
Austria – 2024/02/14
Denomination: 10 to 40 Euro cent
When you mention Karel Loprais, two things should be associated with him – Tatra and Dakar Rally. Karel started working in Tatra as a factory worker, and soon became their test driver. And this created a history.
Karel Loprais, Race Car Driver
Czech Republic – 2024/02/14
Denomination: E & Z
In 1986 he competed in Dakar Rally for the first time. Two years later he won the 1st place for the first time. In total, he competed 19 times, and ended up first 6 times, earning him the title - Monsieur Dakar.
Vikings left a lasting impact on the history of Europe. That was mostly the case during the Viking age which lasted from late 8th century to mid-11th century. Besides Scandinavia, Vikings changed the history of Normandy and England the most. Viking raid in England started in late 8th century, and in 1066 the Norman Conquest of England happened. Normans were generally the population of Normandy, compromised of population mix of Vikings, and locals – Franks and Gallo-Romans.
Viking Britain
Sword, Silver Penny, Silver Penannular Brooch, Lindisfarne Priory Ruins,
Jarlshof Settlement Remains, Amber Comb and Case, Bronze Brooch, Hogback Gravestone
United Kingdom – 2024/02/20
Denomination: 1ST, 1.00 £, 2.00 £, 2.20 £
Needles to say that all these events impacted England on every aspect. Therefore, today we have a huge number of Viking artefacts, building, weapons. The Royal Mail celebrated the period of Viking Britain with these 8 beautiful stamps.
Don’t forget to check the next article where we’ll cover new interesting stamps from March 2024.
And while you wait for the next article, feel free to take a look at previous articles from this series:
