Canada Post introduced a new stamp today, marking two significant Islamic holidays: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. This stamp features maamoul, a delightful Middle Eastern delicacy, alongside a traditional carved wooden mould used in its creation.
Maamoul, renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicious walnut, pistachio, or date fillings, is a cherished sweet during Eid festivities. Crafted from semolina and infused with fragrant rose or orange-blossom water, as well as mahlab, a spice from ground cherry pits, these cookies are shaped using intricately carved wooden moulds before baking.
With origins dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, maamoul symbolizes togetherness as families and friends gather to bake these treats for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Additionally, maamoul is prepared for other festive occasions such as Easter and Purim across much of the Middle East.
The first-day cover has a London, Ont., cancel.
Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast, begins in April after Ramadan, while Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, starts in June 2024, marking the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Celebrated by over one million Muslims in Canada, both holidays span several days and include communal prayers, feasting, familial visits, gift exchanges, and acts of charity.
Highlighting Canada’s rich cultural tapestry, this marks Canada Post’s sixth Eid stamp, following releases in 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The Eid stamp joins a collection of stamps issued annually by Canada Post to honor diverse celebrations integral to the Canadian mosaic, including Diwali, Hanukkah, and Christmas.
Crafted by Kristine Do and photographed by Maya Visnyei, with food styling by David Grenier, this stamp beautifully captures the essence of these cherished holidays. Printed by Colour Innovations, the issue includes booklets of six Permanent™ domestic rate stamps and an Official First Day Cover postmarked in London, Ont..
The new stamp and collectibles are available for purchase at canadapost.ca and postal outlets nationwide.
| Article | Product | Denomination | Size | Quantity | Printing process |
| 414242111 | Booklet of 6 stamps | Permanent™ (domestic rate) | 160 mm (W) x 127 mm (H) flat, 80 mm (W) x 127 mm (H) Folded | 60,000 | Stamps side: lithography in 4 colour CMYK + Gold foil +Tagging. Cover side: lithography in 4 colour CMYK + PMS 873 metallic + O/A Gloss varnish |
| 414242131 | Official First Day Cover | Permanent™ (domestic rate) | 190 mm wide x 112 mm tall | 4,000 | 4 COLOUR PROCESS + PMS 873 / 0 |