ABSTRACT
The most frequent images and symbols in a state’s iconography are its flag, national anthem, national coat of arms and motto, all of which refer to the state’s identity. Stamps also contain ideas and ideologies. This chapter analyzes stamps in Estonia, as well as their themes and images, over the past 100 tumultuous years. Estonia became independent in 1918, but an authoritarian regime was established in 1934. In 1940, the country was annexed to the Soviet Union, subjected to the governance of Nazi Germany from 1941 until 1944 when the Soviet Union then occupied the country. In the late 1980s, there emerged social and political movements that led to the restoration of independence in 1991. In 2004, Estonia joined the European Union. The chapter discusses changes and continuities in the themes and images of stamps in Estonia. Some Estonian-oriented themes disappeared during the occupation period but reappeared after it concluded. Following digitalization, the Internet, and information and communication technologies, the everyday use of stamps has declined substantially in the 21st century. Nevertheless, stamps remain an important symbol of the state as well as its past, present and future.
