A wedding anniversary marks the date when a couple got married. People often celebrate this day by spending time together or having a party. Some important anniversary years, like 25, 40, 50, 60, or 70 years, are celebrated with special events or gifts. In some cultures, these years have traditional names, such as "golden wedding anniversary" for 50 years. At these times, some couples may choose to say their marriage vows again. This is often done during a church service in Christian churches, such as 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 recorded in Germanic countries since the 1500s. In English-speaking countries, the tradition of giving gifts for wedding anniversaries became more common in the nineteenth century. Over time, the list of gifts for each anniversary expanded. For example, paper was suggested for the first anniversary, wood for the fifth anniversary, and tin for the tenth anniversary.
In the twentieth century, more businesses selling anniversary gifts led to adding more years to the list of suggested gifts. By the early 1900s, people suggested gifts such as 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. Today, lists include gifts for every year up to the 50th anniversary and beyond.
In some parts of the world, couples may receive special recognition from government officials for reaching certain milestones. In the Commonwealth realms, couples may receive a message from the monarch for the 60th, 65th, and 70th wedding anniversaries and for any anniversary after that. This is done by applying to Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom or to the governor-general’s office in other Commonwealth realms.
In Australia, couples may receive a congratulatory letter from the governor-general on the 50th and all later wedding anniversaries. The prime minister, the Leader of the Opposition, local members of both state and federal parliaments, and state governors may also send messages for the same anniversaries.
In Canada, couples may receive a message from the governor-general for the 50th anniversary and every fifth anniversary after that.
In the United States, couples may receive an anniversary greeting card from the president for the 50th and all later anniversaries.
Catholics may apply for a papal blessing through their local diocese for wedding anniversaries of special significance, such as the 25th, 50th, 60th, and others.
Commercial gifts
Some important anniversary dates have names that are linked to traditional gifts, such as a silver or platinum jubilee. These gifts may be given by spouses, guests at parties, or used to shape the theme or decorations of an anniversary celebration. The types of gifts differ in various countries, but certain anniversary years are now widely recognized across many nations. For example, many countries celebrate the milestone years of English and British monarchs with special events, which are also 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 made on the day of the celebration and given to the wife as a completed item before the next two quarter days passed.
In 1937, the American National Retail Jeweler Association (now called Jewelers of America after joining with another group) created a longer list of anniversary gifts. This list included a gift for each year up to the 20th anniversary and then 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 well-known temple called Thirukadaiyur Temple holds special religious ceremonies for wedding anniversaries.
Flowers are also connected to wedding anniversaries, including the 50th anniversary.