On February 14, 2013, An Post issued its latest and ever-popular Wedding stamp.

The word “wedding” comes from the root meaning to “gamble” or “wager”. The Anglo-Saxon word “wedd” meant that the groom would vow to marry the woman, but it also meant the sum of money, or barter, that the groom paid to the bride’s father for her hand in marriage. Even today, where no money changes hands, it is still customary for the father of the bride to “give away” his daughter on the wedding day.

The phrase “Tie the knot” which is often used to describe the wedding ceremony or to refer to couples that are getting married, also has historical meaning. It originates from Roman times, when the bride wore a girdle that was tied into knots, which the groom had the fun of untying.

The stamp, which is specially designed for use on wedding stationery, is based on a photograph by Harry Weir and shows a couple lighting their wedding candle during their nuptials. The stamp is sold as a self-adhesive pair.

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