An idiom is a phrase in which the literal meaning is not the same as the figurative meaning. The Chinese language is ripe with idioms with ancient origins. They are known as chengyu and usually consist of four characters. The stamps on this cover are from the third series of "Stories of Idioms" stamps from China showcasing just a few classic Chinese idioms.
The theme of these stamps all involve respect for hard work and learning. To fully understand Chinese idioms requires an understanding of ancient Chinese culture and language which I do not possess. So all I can really do is google search and translate which does not do them justice. Across the top from left to right:
- 铁杵成针 Grind an iron rod into a needle : as long as people work hard, they will be successful
- 程门立雪 Cheng Men Lixue. Stand in the snow and wait upon master Cheng respectfully: have respect for teachers, teaching and studying
- 孺子可教 The child is worth teaching
- 韦编三绝 Wei Bian Sanjue. Leather straps used to bind bamboo strips break three times : Confucius read the "Book of Changes" so many times that the bindings fell apart. And yet he still felt it would take several years to master the magic of the book. Another example of persistence and learning.
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