Post Fiji Pte Limited has introduced a special series of commemorative stamps celebrating Fiji’s unique periodical cicada, the Raiateana knowlesi, known locally as the nanai. This special event was marked by Deputy Board Chair Radhika Karunaratne, who regarded the nanai as an enchanting and mysterious symbol of Fiji’s natural heritage. The nanai is part of an exclusive group of only nine periodical cicadas globally, and uniquely, the only one in the Southern Hemisphere, surfacing every eight years in a breathtaking, synchronized event.
Found in parts of Namosi, Nadroga-Navosa, and Serua provinces on Viti Levu, the nanai represents a global natural wonder, emblematic of Fiji’s rich biodiversity. Its cultural importance is recognized through its depiction on the Fijian hundred-dollar bill—a nod to its role as a cultural marker and totem in the local heritage. Despite its biological and cultural significance, many Fijians remain unaware of the cicada’s fascinating life cycle, which includes an eight-year subterranean maturation period before emerging dramatically.
The stamp series not only serves as a celebration of the nanai’s unique life cycle but also aims to enhance the cultural and ecological understanding of this natural marvel. Historically, the cicada has been linked with notions of prosperity and wealth within local traditions. Such representations in stamps reinforce Fiji’s commitment to celebrating and preserving its natural and cultural wealth.
This initiative aligns with broader educational efforts within Fiji, such as the Nanai Cicada Education Program, which seeks to enlighten students about the ecological and cultural roles of the nanai. This educational approach ties together scientific and cultural learning, emphasizing the interconnectedness of biodiversity and human tradition.
As stamps often serve as cultural ambassadors, Post Fiji’s cicada stamps, much like previous commemorative releases, provide a platform to highlight Fiji’s unique environmental heritage. By capturing such narratives in philatelic art, Post Fiji continues to promote awareness and appreciation of the nation’s natural wonders, ensuring that these stories are cherished both domestically and abroad.