Aland:Europa - Stories & Myths

On 9 May 2022, Åland Post issueed its annual stamp in the PostEurop Europa stamp series. The 2022 theme is Stories and Myths, and the Åland stamp shows the "sjörå", a female water spirit according to Åland folklore.

Issue Description
The stamp motif is largely based on stories recorded in the 1890s in Åland. A "rå" is a keeper of a specific area. Stories about the water nymph, however, are told in all the Nordic countries. The "sjörå", also known as mistress of the sea, is closely related to the mermaid. She rules the sea and the lakes and, also, predict deaths and bad weather.

Considered a beauty, her good looks only extend to the front. From behind, she is a hollow rotten stump. She likes showing herself to humans and is fond of young men, awarding he who joins her with good hunting and fishing luck. She keeps a pike as a pet and also her own livestock. The water nymph has her own pots and pans of glittering copper that she scrubs by the lake shore.

Her manatees can be seen grazing among human livestock and even mating with them.

Stamp
The postage stamp depicts the "sjörå", a female water spirit according to Åland folklore.

Sheet
The sheet with formatted margins contains 30 (2 × 15) stamps (one design).

First Day Cover
The First Day Cover is a pictorial envelope with the stamp from the issue affixed and postmarked.

On the First Day Cover, the "sjörå" looks over the edge of a boat. Offer a penny or give a gift to get her in good spirits and she will watch over your boat.

The first day cancel shows her two sides - the beautiful front and the ugly back.

Maximum Card
The "sjörå" rules the sea and the lakes and she can also predict deaths and bad weather.

The postage-paid symbol on the address side of the card shows the water creature emerging from the sea.

The franking symbol means that postage from Åland to any destination in the world is included in the price of the card.

EUROPA Series
Other Issues under the EUROPA theme include:

References & Notes
References