A wedding anniversary is the date when a couple got married. People often celebrate this day by spending time together or having a party. Some years, like 25, 40, 50, 60, or 70 years of marriage, are considered special. In some cultures, these years have special names, such as "golden 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 some Christian churches, like the Catholic Church or Lutheran Churches.
History, traditions and recognition
On a wedding anniversary, couples may choose to renew their marriage vows. This is often done through a church service offered by various Christian religious groups, such as the Evangelical-Lutheran Churches or the Catholic Church.
Linking wedding anniversaries to precious metals like "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 year grew. For example, paper was suggested for the first anniversary, wood for the fifth, and tin for the tenth.
In the twentieth century, more businesses started offering gifts for more anniversaries. By the early 1900s, gifts like 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 added to the list. Today, gift lists include every year up to the 50th anniversary and beyond.
In some places, couples may receive special recognition from government officials for major milestones. In Commonwealth countries, couples can receive a message from the monarch for the 60th, 65th, and 70th wedding anniversaries and for every 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 countries.
In Australia, couples can receive a congratulatory letter from the governor-general on the 50th and all later anniversaries. The prime minister, the Leader of the Opposition, local members of state and federal parliaments, and state governors may also send greetings for the same anniversaries.
In Canada, couples can receive a message from the governor-general for the 50th anniversary and every fifth anniversary after that.
In the United States, couples can receive an anniversary greeting card from the president for the 50th and all later anniversaries.
Catholics may apply for a special blessing from the pope through their local church for wedding anniversaries of special importance, such as the 25th, 50th, 60th, and so on.
Commercial gifts
Some important anniversaries have names that are connected to special gifts, such as a silver or platinum jubilee. These gifts can be given by spouses or guests at celebrations. They can also affect the theme or decorations of an anniversary party. The types of gifts vary in different countries, but some anniversary years are now widely recognized in many nations. For example, the many jubilees celebrated for important events in the reigns of English and British monarchs are often linked to special 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 and 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) created a longer list of 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 famous temple called Thirukadaiyur Temple holds special religious ceremonies for wedding anniversaries.
Flowers are also linked to wedding anniversaries up to the 50th anniversary.