Anniversary
Another year, still choosing each other.
The story
Where it comes from
Marking wedding anniversaries with named materials began in the German-speaking lands: a silver wreath for 25 years and a golden one for 50 are recorded from the Middle Ages. The longer list (paper, cotton, leather, wood, tin) was popularised by Victorian etiquette writers and then by 20th-century retailers.
How it's celebrated
A dinner, a trip, a return to the place it started. Many couples exchange gifts in the traditional material of the year; others make the anniversary a day for the children and grandchildren to gather, especially for silver, ruby and golden years.
Did you know
- The first anniversary is 'paper' in the traditional list, which is why an anniversary card is still the classic gift.
- In the United Kingdom, couples can get a message from the King for their diamond (60th) anniversary and later milestones. In Canada, the Governor General sends greetings from the golden (50th) anniversary, and the King from the 60th.
The greeting
Happy anniversary!
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