A wedding anniversary is the date when a couple got married. People often celebrate this day by spending time together, either alone or with others. Some important dates, such as 25, 40, 50, 60, or 70 years of marriage, are marked with special events or gifts. In certain cultures, these dates have traditional names, like "golden wedding anniversary" for 50 years of marriage. At these times, some couples may choose to renew their vows in a church service, which is offered by some 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 churches, 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, more gifts were added for each anniversary. 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 started selling anniversary gifts, leading to the creation of a longer list of set gifts for each anniversary. By the early 1900s, 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 were included in these lists. Today, lists cover every year up to the 50th anniversary and beyond.
In some parts of the world, couples may receive special recognition from government officials for certain milestones. In the Commonwealth realms, a couple 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 subsequent 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 also receive a message from the governor-general for the 50th anniversary and every fifth anniversary after that.
In the United States, a couple may 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 special importance, such as the 25th, 50th, 60th, and so on.
Commercial gifts
Some important anniversaries have names that are linked to traditional gifts, such as a silver or platinum jubilee. These gifts may be given by spouses or guests at celebrations, and they can also affect the theme or decorations of an anniversary party. The types of gifts vary by country, but some anniversary years are now widely recognized around the world. For example, many nations celebrate milestone events in the reigns of English and British monarchs with special celebrations called jubilees, which 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 into a finished item on the day of celebration and given to the wife before the next two quarter days passed.
In 1937, the American National Retail Jeweler Association (now called Jewelers of America after a name change) 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 famous temple called Thirukadaiyur Temple holds special religious ceremonies for wedding anniversaries.
Flowers are also linked to wedding anniversaries, including the 50th anniversary.