On January 6th, Poland comes alive with the celebration of Philatelist Day, a national event dedicated to honoring the country’s rich philatelic heritage. This date marks the founding of the first Polish philatelic association, “The Philatelists’ Club,” established in Krakow in 1893.
Philately, the study and collection of postage stamps and postal history, goes beyond simply collecting stamps. Today, it embraces the fascination with various postal artifacts, reflecting a broader interest in the history of communication.
The Evolution of Philately: From Stamps to a Global Passion
Philately’s origins date back to 1840, with the advent of the first postage stamp. By the 1850s, philatelists had begun to form communities in places like Belgium, and soon, Krakow became a key center for the hobby. The first Polish philatelic association was founded in 1893, marking an important milestone in the country’s postal history. The establishment of the International Philatelic Federation in 1926, followed by the creation of the Polish Philatelists Union in 1950, further fueled the global expansion of the hobby. Today, over 200 million people worldwide are passionate about philately.
The Role of the Philatelist: Stewards of Postal History
At the heart of this global community are philatelists—dedicated individuals who are passionate about studying and preserving the history of postage. The term “philatelist” was first coined by the French philatelist Georges Herpin, deriving from the Greek words phil(o)-, meaning “love or affinity,” and ateleia, meaning “exempt from duties and taxes.” The word “philatelie” thus came to symbolize a deep fascination with the study of postage stamps.
As Poland celebrates Philatelist Day, it not only acknowledges the importance of stamp collecting as a hobby, but also honors the scholarly pursuit of understanding postal history, a tradition that continues to captivate millions of enthusiasts worldwide.
