Printed dates across stamp by post office

[mintydroid]

What is the purpose of the date being printed across the stamp by the post office?

Does it mean the date the letter was receipted for forwarding elsewhere?

 

[Sinbad]

So the stamp can't be reused, I imagine

 

[mintydroid]

So the stamp can't be reused, I imagine

I get that but what does the date signify?

 

[bruce_the_loon]

Normally the date that the envelope starts the routing/clearance process.

 

[TEXTILE GUY]

And that the lazy schites weren't on strike

 

[mintydroid]

I've noticed the dates on the letter inside and on the envelope are very far apart. It's 2 weeks to 1 month after the letter's date.