The new Swiss Post Pro Patria stamps, which were issued on May 2, 2024, are particularly appealing to me as they bring back memories of my youth and the numerous trips I made to various countries during my professional stays. A frequent observation on these trips was: “If you think you’re the first one here, a Swiss person has probably already been here!” In most cases, this was actually true.
The new stamp issue celebrates the so-called “5th Switzerland”, i.e. the Swiss abroad, who make up around 10% of the Swiss population. The motifs for these stamps were designed by young Swiss abroad at vacation camps run by the Organization of the Swiss Abroad and then graphically realized by Sandra Liscio, a graphic designer from Lugano who lives in London.
Symbols of the 5th Switzerland
The first stamp shows a fondue caquelon on a Swiss map with five hands dipping bread into it. These symbolic hands represent the four language regions and the 5th Switzerland. Surrounding the card are typically Swiss symbols such as a clock, a cow, an alphorn and a penknife (even more clearly depicted on the edge of the stamp sheet). The idea of the fondue caquelon may seem stereotypical, but for the young Swiss abroad it represents a piece of culture and identity – a strong connection to their homeland.
The second stamp shows a modern interpretation of Helvetia, the allegorical female figure that represents Switzerland. She wears a heart on her chest and a crown of Edelweiss on her head. In the background is a globe depicting international landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the pyramids and the Great Wall of China. This symbolizes that the 5th Switzerland can be found all over the world.
Tradition meets modernity
But why are these stamps now in the “Exceptional stamps” category? Interestingly, there was a discussion in the run-up to the creation of these stamps. The question was raised as to whether the 5th Switzerland should really be honored with something as old-fashioned as a stamp. To give the old-fashioned image a modern touch, thermoactive ink was used: The heart and the caquelon are black, but when you touch them, the warmth of your fingers causes a white cross to appear on a red background. Although this thermal reaction is not new for stamps, it is nevertheless rare and special.
A piece of home for the world
These new stamps are more than just a piece of paper. They are a symbol of solidarity and a sense of belonging to one’s home country. They remind us that our culture and identity endure even when we are far away. For me, these stamps are a piece of nostalgia and a tribute to the travel experiences of my youth, when I explored the world and repeatedly came across traces of my fellow countrymen.
This special Swiss Post issue impressively demonstrates how tradition and modernity can be harmoniously combined. It celebrates the Swiss community worldwide and brings a piece of home to every corner of the globe.
- Day of issue: 2024-05-02
- Size: 33 x 28 mm
- Colors: multicolored
- Designer: Sandra Liscio
- Printer: Joh. Enschedé
- Format: Surcharge stamps
- Perforation: 13¼
- Printing: Offset printing / Thermoink
- Gum coating: Matt
- Nominal value :
- 100+50 Ct. – Swiss centime
- 120+60 Ct. – Swiss centime
- Surcharge goes to the Swiss Abroad Organization