2016-11 Favorite Postcards Received

My Postcrossing ranking for November 2016 as below:-

On 65^th most postcards sent from Malaysia

On 64^th longest distance sent from Malaysia

In this month, I received my portraits postcard which look exactly me.

I like this postcard which has the pictorial map of Japan. It is introduced toys in Japan which is so interesting.

Shiisa is a traditional Ryukyuan decoration, often in pairs, resembling a cross between a lion and a dog from Okinawan mythology. People place pairs of shisa on their rooftops or flanking the gates to their houses. Shisa are wards believed to protect from some evils. When in pairs, the left shisa traditionally has a closed mouth, the right one an open mouth. The open mouth wards off evil spirits and the closed mouth keeps good spirits in.

Nagashibina is an event that involves dispelling impurities and misfortunes by floating dolls away on water. In this rite, dry straw is woven into a boat which carries a pair of male and female dolls to be cast adrift in the river.

Okiagari-koboshi is a Japanese traditional doll which made from papier-mache and is designed so that its weight causes it to return to an upright position if it is knocked over. It is considered a good luck charm and a symbol of perseverance and resilience.

Temari is Japanese thread balls.

Kokeshi are Japanese dolls originally from northern Japan. They are handmade from wood, have a simple trunk and an enlarged head with a few thin, painted lines to define the face. The body has a floral design painted in red, black and sometimes yellow and covered a layer of wax. One characteristic of kokeshi dolls is their lack of arms or legs.

Akabeko is a legendary cow from the Aizu region of Japan who inspired a traditional toy.  The toy is made from 2 pieces of papier-mache-covered wood, shaped and painted to look like a red cow or ox. One piece represents the cow’s head and neck and the other its body. The head and neck hangs from a string and fits into the hollow body. When the toy is moved, the head thus bobs up and down and side to side.

Kamifusen or paper balloons emerged as a charming alternative to the rubber balloon. It created by the wives of fishermen during the winter season with handmade paper.

It was my first time to hear about “Kuopio”. Sena told me that the postcard showed picture of market hall which is in the centre of Kuopio. Kuopio is a city located in the region of Northern Savonia, Finland.

This is the illustration of a Taiwan man with Poland lady. They are getting married soon.

Besides writing some words, my friend Ling is so creative that telling her travel story in drawing which is so creative and beautiful.

This was my first time to see this luggage sticker and postcard.  My postcard friend knew I love travel so send this postcard for me.

Beside Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia, I did not take other airlines before. Hope in future can try for other airline. This is Singapore Airline postcard.