VANCOUVER, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Canada Post will issue two stamps on Jan. 7, 2011, in celebration of the upcoming Chinese Lunar Year of the Rabbit, the company announced on Friday.

Marking the third release of a second 12-year Lunar New Year series, the new stamps include one domestic stamp and one international stamp. The domestic stamp is featured by a hopping rabbit.

The international stamp is inspired by traditional Chinese embroidery. The circular shape in which two rabbits chase each other in an endless circle is based on a traditional Chinese robe medallion.

The commemorative collection was created by Toronto-based Canadian graphic designer Paul Haslip.

Each Chinese lunar year is named after a particular animal sign of the zodiac in a 12-year cycle and Canada Post released its first Chinese Lunar New Year stamps series in 1997 with the Year of the Ox.

The stamps have been very popular, according to Lilian Salchner, Manager of Media and Community Affairs of Canada Post.

Salchner said that these little stamps are very important, which can bridge the distance between countries and build relations. "It's wonderful that a stamp can do this," she added.

A stamp launch ceremony will take place on Jan. 7 in Vancouver, co-hosted by S.U.C.C.E.S.S., one of the country's leading social service providers, and the Chinese Cultural Center of Greater Vancouver.