Pagurus bernhardus, Crabs of Cyprus Thematic Issue, Republic of Cyprus

Pagurus bernhardus, Crabs of Cyprus Thematic Issue, Republic of Cyprus

Postage stamps--Cyprus--History

Γραμματόσημα--Κύπρος--Ιστορία

Once upon a time, the crab and the fox decided to sow in partnership all the fields of Athalassa. When the time came to reap, they went to the fields and as soon as they began reaping the fox raised such a howl that the crab was terrified. What is the matter asked the crab? Some stones have rolled and it seems that that colossal rock is about to roll down and kill us, said the fox as he pointed to it on the hill. What shall we do asked the crab? I will tell you partner; I will go and hold the rock so we do not feel uneasy about anything happening to the wheat, or to us and you will do the reaping. Your idea is good said the crab, and so be it. When the reaping was completed, the fox, claiming that he got very tired, said that he should get all the wheat and the crab all the straw. The crab, then replying that he too had worked hard under the bright sun and was exhausted, counter proposed that they race and whoever gets first to the heap of wheat will win. The fox gave the signal and at the very moment that he got ready to run, the crab, in one leap, got hold of his tail. When the fox reached the heap he turned round to see where the crab was. Right then the crab let go the fox’s tail and leaping onto the heap began shouting with joy that he had won. From then on the straw became the fox’s home and the people say that the good wheat is like the eye of the crab. According to Nicos Politis this fable is universal.
(Extract from: Nearchos Clerides, Animal stories of Cyprus)

Cyprus Post, Republic of Cyprus

Κυπριακά Ταχυδρομεία, Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία

Cyprus Post, Republic of Cyprus

Κυπριακά Ταχυδρομεία, Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία

Library of Cyprus University of Technology

Digital Heritage Research Lab of Cyprus University of Technology

7th June 2001

Designer: S. Vassiliou

Απαγορεύεται η δημοσίευση ή αναπαραγωγή, ηλεκτρονική ή άλλη χωρίς τη γραπτή συγκατάθεση του δημιουργού.

www.cypruspost.gov.cy

TIFF

EL, EN

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2001-CRABS-30

35.160417, 33.346556

Oriental Press, Bahrain