South Korea released a set of 16 stamps depicting various constellations of the night sky. Twelve of these stamps are associated with the zodiac signs from Greek mythology: Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), and Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). Remaining four represent the seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter.
The twelve constellations along the ecliptic paths (paths of the sun and planets relative to earth) have been popular from the ancient times. The constellations were used by early nomads to help them navigate as they displaced in search of food. The position of constellations change due to earth’s rotation and revolution helping the early humans judge time and seasons. This system continued when the Greeks named the constellations after the gods, heroes and beasts in their mythology.
The International Astronomical Union has identified 88 constellations, 12 along ecliptic, 28 in the northern sky and 48 in the southern sky. They move approximately 15° each hour from east to west and about 1° to the west each day relative to the exact time of the previous day.
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