The world’s first Christmas stamp with a biblical theme was issued in Hungary in 1943 at the initiative of the Hungarian Nativity Movement.
The three-denomination set, designed by Gyula Tóth, was in circulation from 11 December 1943 until 30 July 1944. The 4-fillér stamp shows angels announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds; the 20-fillér value depicts the shepherds arriving with their lambs to pay homage to Jesus while Mary and Joseph pray beside the manger.
The 30-fillér denomination depicts the Adoration of the Magi—or, in the interpretation used here, the kings. A special feature of the design is that the three kings are represented by St Stephen, St Ladislaus and Prince Emeric. Stephen kneels and offers the Hungarian crown to the Virgin Mary, who holds the Christ Child in her lap.
