Wedding anniversaries are a testament to the fact that time has passed and that love has endured. They are often celebrated without knowledge of the actual wedding anniversary being honored. Thanks to the anniversary gifts chart provided below, you will now be in a better position to find which flower, tree or stone corresponds to your wedding anniversary, as well as which anniversary gifts to offer.
The celebration of wedding anniversaries has no precise origins. However, we do know that back in the 12th century, weddings were celebrated as a religious sacrament. It was a common occurrence for the petty bourgeoisie of the 19th century. Nevertheless, we still don’t know how 11- and 12-year wedding anniversaries came about. Over time, some anniversary names have changed. The Diamond Anniversary, celebrated on the 75th anniversary, became Alabaster and diamonds now symbolize the 60th wedding anniversary.
Wedding anniversaries are observed everywhere around the world. Traditionally, a more formal event is organized for the most important milestones such as the 10- and 50-year wedding anniversaries, whereas the others are celebrated by the couples alone.
Traditional Anniversary Gift | Contemporary Anniversary Gift |
1st: Paper | 1st: Clocks |
2nd: Cotton | 2nd: China |
3rd: Leather | 3rd: Crystal, glass |
4th: Linen | 4th: Appliances |
5th: Wood | 5th: Silverware |
6th: Iron | 6th: Wood |
7th: Wool | 7th: Desk sets |
8th: Bronze | 8th: Linens, lace |
9th: Pottery | 9th: Leather |
10th: Aluminum | 10th: Diamond jewelry |
11th: Steel | 11th: Fashion jewelry |
13th: Silk | 13th: Pearls or coloured gems |
14th: Ivory | 14th: Gold jewelry |
15th: Crystal | 15th: Watches |
16th: Peridot | 16th: Silver hollowware |
17th: Watch | 17th: Furniture |
18th: Cat's eye | 18th: Porcelain |
19th: Aquamarine | 19th: Bronze |
20th: China | 20th: Platinum |
25th: Silver | 25th: Silver |
30th: Pearls | 30th: Diamonds |
35th: Coral, jade | 35th: Jade |
40th: Rubies | 40th: Rubies |
45th: Sapphires | 45th: Sapphires |
50th: Gold | 50th: Gold |
55th: Emeralds | 55th: Emeralds |
60th: Diamonds | 60th: Diamonds |