A wedding anniversary is the date when a couple's wedding occurred. People often celebrate this day by honoring their relationship, either in private or with others. Some special years, such as 25, 40, 50, 60, or 70 years of marriage, are marked with unique celebrations or gifts. In certain cultures, these years have traditional names, like "golden wedding anniversary" for 50 years. At these times, some couples may choose to reaffirm their marriage promises, often through a church service offered by groups such as the Evangelical-Lutheran Churches or the Catholic Church.
History, traditions and recognition
On a wedding anniversary, couples may choose to renew their marriage vows, which is often done through a church service offered in various Christian denominations (such as the Evangelical-Lutheran Churches or the Catholic Church).
Associating a wedding anniversary with precious metals such as "gold" (50 years) or "silver" (25 years) has been documented in Germanic countries since the 1500s. In English-speaking countries, the tradition of associating gift-giving with wedding anniversaries became more common in the nineteenth century. Additionally, the gifts associated with each anniversary expanded. Paper was suggested for the first anniversary, wood for the fifth anniversary, and tin for the tenth anniversary.
In the twentieth century, increased commercialization led to the inclusion of more anniversaries in a list of predetermined gifts. By the early 1900s, gifts of straw for the second anniversary, candy for the third, leather for the fourth, flowers for the seventh, linen for the 12th, crystal for the 15th, and china for the 20th were suggested. Today, lists cover every year up to the 50th anniversary and beyond.
In some parts of the world, couples can receive special recognition from government officials for particular milestones. In the Commonwealth realms, a couple can receive a message from the monarch for 60th, 65th, and 70th wedding anniversaries and for any wedding anniversary thereafter. This is done by applying to Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom or to the governor-general’s office in the other Commonwealth realms.
In Australia, couples can receive a congratulatory letter from the governor-general on the 50th and all subsequent wedding anniversaries. The prime minister, the Leader of the Opposition, local members of both state and federal parliaments, as well as state governors, may also send greetings for the same anniversaries.
In Canada, couples can also receive a message from the governor-general for the 50th anniversary and every fifth anniversary after that.
In the United States, a couple can receive an anniversary greeting card from the president for the 50th and all subsequent anniversaries.
Catholics may apply for a papal blessing through their local diocese for wedding anniversaries of a special nature (25th, 50th, 60th, etc.).
Commercial gifts
Some important anniversaries have names that are linked to traditional or meaningful gifts, such as a silver or platinum jubilee. Gifts can be given by spouses or guests at parties. They can also affect the theme or decorations of an anniversary celebration. These gifts differ in various countries, but some anniversary years now have widely recognized connections shared by many nations. For example, many countries celebrate milestone years in the reigns of English and British monarchs with special events called jubilees. These events are often connected to precious stones or metals.
- 25th anniversary: silver
- 40th anniversary: ruby
- 50th anniversary: gold
- 60th anniversary: diamond
- 70th anniversary: platinum
In English-speaking countries, the gift for the fifth anniversary (wood) was carved on the day of the celebration. It was then given to the wife as a finished item before the next two quarter days passed.
In 1937, the American National Retail Jeweler Association (now called Jewelers of America after merging with another group) created a longer list of anniversary gifts. This updated list included a gift for every year up to the 20th anniversary and for every fifth anniversary after that.
In South India, the 60th and 80th wedding anniversaries are celebrated with large events similar to weddings. In Tamil Nadu, a famous temple called the Thirukadaiyur Temple holds special religious ceremonies called pujas for wedding anniversaries.
Flowers are also connected to wedding anniversaries, including the 50th anniversary.