First anniversary – Paper
The first anniversary is traditionally associated with paper, symbolizing the fragility of a new marriage. Paper items like cards, books or pressed flowers are popular first anniversary gifts. This milestone is sometimes called the paper anniversary.
Second anniversary – Cotton
The second anniversary has cotton as its traditional symbol, representing how a marriage softens and becomes more flexible with time. Cotton items like clothes, bedding or decorative accents are suitable second anniversary gifts. This milestone can also be referred to as the cotton anniversary.
Third anniversary – Leather
Leather represents the third wedding anniversary, symbolizing how the marriage has become more flexible and durable. Leather goods like wallets, handbags or briefcases make thoughtful third anniversary presents. Other names for this milestone include the leather anniversary.
Fourth anniversary – Fruit & Flowers
The fourth anniversary is associated with fruit and flowers, symbolizing continuing growth, passion and romance in the marriage. Popular fourth anniversary gifts include fresh fruit, flowering plants, or floral designs. This milestone is sometimes known as the fruit and flowers anniversary.
Fifth anniversary – Wood
Wood represents the fifth wedding anniversary, symbolizing a marriage’s strength, endurance and flexibility. Traditional fifth anniversary gifts are wooden items like decorative carvings, furniture or picture frames. The fifth anniversary is also referred to as the wood anniversary.
Sixth anniversary – Candy & Iron
The sixth anniversary has the modern theme of candy, representing sweetness, and the traditional theme of iron, representing strength. Suitable sixth anniversary gifts include candy, chocolate, iron jewelry or small household items. This milestone can be known as the candy and iron anniversary.
Seventh anniversary – Wool & Copper
Copper and wool are the traditional and modern symbols for the seventh wedding anniversary. Copper represents durability and wool symbolizes security and comfort in the relationship. Popular seventh anniversary gifts include copper jewelry, wool blankets or clothing. This anniversary is also called the wool and copper anniversary.
Eighth anniversary – Bronze & Pottery
Bronze and pottery represent the eighth wedding anniversary. Bronze symbolizes strength while pottery represents versatility and beauty. Traditional eighth anniversary gifts include bronze and pottery items, like vases or figurines. This milestone is sometimes referred to as the bronze and pottery anniversary.
Ninth anniversary – Willow & Pottery
The ninth anniversary has willow and pottery as its traditional and modern symbols. Willow represents flexibility, while pottery symbolizes beauty and fulfillment. Suitable ninth anniversary gifts include willow baskets, pottery or ceramic ware. Other names for this milestone are the willow and pottery anniversary.
Tenth anniversary – Tin & Aluminum
Tin and aluminum represent the tenth wedding anniversary. Tin symbolizes durability and aluminum represents beauty and strength. Popular tenth anniversary gifts include tin or aluminum jewelry, ornaments, or decorative items. This major milestone is also known as the tin and aluminum anniversary.
Eleventh anniversary – Steel
Steel is the modern symbol for the 11th anniversary, representing strength and durability in the marriage. Suitable steel anniversary gifts include jewelry, tools, appliances or decor items. The 11th anniversary is sometimes called the steel anniversary.
Twelfth anniversary – Silk & Linen
The twelfth anniversary has silk and linen as its traditional and modern symbols. Silk represents elegance and comfort, while linen symbolizes purity and simplicity. Popular 12th anniversary gifts include silk or linen clothing, bedding, or jewelry. This milestone can be referred to as the silk and linen anniversary.
Thirteenth anniversary – Lace
Lace symbolizes the thirteenth wedding anniversary, representing the complexities of married life. Traditional thirteenth anniversary gifts include lace clothing like lingerie or accessories, or lace decorations. Other names for this milestone are the lace anniversary.
Fourteenth anniversary – Ivory
Ivory represents the fourteenth anniversary, symbolizing beauty, strength and adaptability. Traditional ivory anniversary gifts include ivory jewelry, ornaments, home decor or clothing accessories. The fourteenth anniversary is sometimes known as the ivory anniversary.
Fifteenth anniversary – Crystal
The fifteenth anniversary is symbolized by crystal, representing how the relationship has become more clear and precious. Popular crystal anniversary gifts include crystal jewelry, figurines or glassware. This major milestone is also referred to as the crystal anniversary.
Twentieth anniversary – China
China represents durability and beauty for the twentieth wedding anniversary. Popular china anniversary gifts include porcelain or bone china dinnerware, figurines, or jewelry with china beads. This is a major milestone, also known as the china anniversary.
Twenty-fifth anniversary – Silver
Silver symbolizes the twenty-fifth marriage anniversary, representing harmony and strength. Traditional twenty-fifth anniversary gifts include silver jewelry, platters, picture frames and other decor. This major milestone is also known as the silver anniversary.
Thirtieth anniversary – Pearl
The pearl represents the thirtieth wedding anniversary, symbolizing what this long marriage encompasses. Traditional pearl anniversary gifts include pearl jewelry, decorative accessories, or a vacation getaway. This is a major milestone, also referred to as the pearl anniversary.
Thirty-fifth anniversary – Coral
Coral symbolizes the thirty-fifth anniversary, representing companionship and romance. Suitable coral anniversary gifts include coral jewelry, accessories, or decorative items. The thirty-fifth anniversary can also be known as the coral anniversary.
Fortieth anniversary – Ruby
The ruby represents the fortieth wedding anniversary, symbolizing passion and lasting love. Popular fortieth anniversary gifts include ruby jewelry, ornaments and accessories. This major milestone is also known as the ruby anniversary.
Forty-fifth anniversary – Sapphire
The forty-fifth anniversary is represented by sapphire, symbolizing integrity, trust and wisdom. Traditional forty-fifth anniversary gifts feature sapphire jewelry, ornaments or accessories. This milestone is sometimes called the sapphire anniversary.
Fiftieth anniversary – Gold
Gold symbolizes the fiftieth wedding anniversary, representing faithfulness and prosperity. Popular golden anniversary gifts include gold jewelry, watches, picture frames or other decor. This major milestone is also referred to as the gold or golden anniversary.
Fifty-fifth anniversary – Emerald
The emerald represents the fifty-fifth anniversary, symbolizing renewal, growth and compassion. Traditional fifty-fifth anniversary gifts feature emerald jewelry, accessories or ornamental items. This milestone can be known as the emerald anniversary.
Sixtieth anniversary – Diamond
The diamond represents the sixtieth wedding anniversary, symbolizing enduring strength and romance. Popular diamond anniversary gifts include diamond jewelry, watches and accessories. This major milestone is also known as the diamond anniversary.
Significant Anniversary Milestones
Here are some of the most significant wedding anniversary milestones and their traditional meanings:
| Anniversary Year | Traditional Theme | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | Tin / Aluminum | Durability |
| 15th | Crystal | Clarity |
| 20th | China | Beauty |
| 25th | Silver | Harmony |
| 30th | Pearl | Fullness |
| 40th | Ruby | Passion |
| 50th | Gold | Prosperity |
| 60th | Diamond | Strength |
Origins of Anniversary Traditions
The origins of anniversary themes can be traced back to medieval Germany, where different materials were associated with each year of marriage. The practice gained popularity in Victorian England in the 19th century. While the exact materials differ between sources, the traditions have remained popular for symbolizing marital milestones.
In modern times, anniversary themes are still commonly used to select symbolic gifts, decorations and celebrations for each year of marriage. Major milestones like 10, 20, 25, 40 and 50 years are associated with precious metals, gemstones and materials that represent significant achievements in a marriage. More creative or lighthearted symbols are used for early anniversaries.
How Anniversaries Are Celebrated
Wedding anniversaries are celebrated in many different ways. Here are some popular anniversary traditions:
– Exchanging gifts based on the traditional anniversary theme
– Romantic getaways or trips down memory lane
– Renewing vows with a ceremony
– Hosting a party with friends and family
– Enjoying an anniversary dinner or dessert
– Reminiscing with wedding photos or videos
– Giving cards, flowers or other symbolic trinkets
– Posting on social media about the milestone
While major milestones often involve bigger celebrations, even smaller anniversaries are a chance for married couples to honor their commitment to each other. The traditions reflect how each passing year represents maturing love.
Conclusion
Anniversary traditions give meaning to each milestone in a marriage. Major metal and gemstone themes symbolize how enduring commitment develops over time. Smaller yearly symbols allow couples to celebrate their evolving bond. The origins of these traditions date back centuries, but the sentiment behind anniversary gifts and symbols remains as relevant as ever for honoring marital joy.
