First day of the commemorative stamps condolences and congratulations

Condolences – 2026

A final farewell

A single beautiful calla lily adorns this year’s mourning stamp – a dignified motif for franking condolence letters or death announcements.

The exotic and graceful calla belongs to the genus Zantedeschia in the arum family and originally comes from South Africa. Its inflorescence is surrounded by a large funnel-shaped spathe, within which the actual tiny flowers are arranged on a yellow spadix. The spathe is usually white, although yellow and reddish varieties also exist. Thanks to its striking blooms on long stems and their long-lasting freshness, the calla is a popular choice as a cut flower or for floral arrangements.

The calla owes its name to its elegantly curved blossoms, derived from the Greek word kállos, meaning beauty. A white calla symbolises love, beauty and purity, which is why it is often used in wedding bouquets. At the same time, it also represents immortality and eternal life and therefore frequently appears in funeral floristry. The simple elegance of the white calla makes it a refined symbol for final farewells: whether as part of a grave arrangement or funeral wreath, as decoration at a memorial service or on a condolence card. A letter of sympathy featuring an appropriate image and personal words of condolence can provide some comfort and shows the bereaved that they are not alone in their grief. The mourning stamp featuring the beautiful blooming calla and the inscription “In silent mourning” provides a fitting and aesthetic complement.

Congratulations – 2026 

Best wishes!

Colourful motifs that invite celebration adorn this year’s congratulations stamp. It is the perfect way to frank any congratulatory letter.

There is always something to celebrate, whether it is a birthday, a wedding, passing an exam, a promotion or another festive occasion. Those who cannot attend a celebration often send greeting cards or letters with their best wishes, and this stamp, with its cheerful illustrations on the theme of celebration, is perfectly suited for that purpose.

Preparations for a celebration are often extensive: everything is decorated with balloons, garlands, streamers and confetti, there are presents, a cake and sparkling wine or another festive drink for the toast, sometimes accompanied by music. Yet more important than the finest decorations and the most exquisite delicacies is the shared joy of a milestone achieved or a special occasion being celebrated. When the whole family or groups of friends – who may not have seen each other for a long time – come together, old memories are revisited, anecdotes are shared and photographs are shown. The focus is on the bride and groom, the birthday celebrant or whoever is being honoured. A wonderful celebration often remains a cherished memory for years to come. And if someone cannot be there in person, their good wishes can still be conveyed with a thoughtful postcard featuring a cheerful or festive design and an attractive stamp. This colourful congratulations stamp is suitable for a wide variety of occasions.

When: 11 February 2026, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., presentation at 11 a.m.
Where: Federation of Austrian Philately Associations, Getreidemarkt 1, 1060 Vienna

Picture of presentation: © VÖPh
Group picture, left to right: Helmut Kogler (President, Federation of Austrian Philately Associations), Lisa Filzi (stamp artist), Susanna Hiegesberger (stamp archive curator, Austrian Post)