Wedding Anniversaries and their Symbols

Wedding Anniversaries and their Symbols

Researched by: Apolinario Villalobos

 

 

1^st        -paper

2^nd        -cotton

3^rd        -leather

4^th        -fruit, flowers

5^th        -wood

6^th        -sugar, candy

7^th        -wool, copper

8^th        -bronze, pottery

9^th        -pottery

10^th      -tin

11^th      -steel

12^th      -silk, linen

13^th      -lace

14^th      -ivory

15^th      -crystal

20^th      -china (ceramic items)

25^th      -silver

30^th      -pearl

35^th      -coral

40^th      -ruby

45^th      -sapphire

50^th      -gold

55^th      -emerald

75^th      -diamond

 

Noticeably, after the 15^th anniversary, there are five years gap between the anniversaries, thereafter, until the 55^th which has a gap of 20 years before the final which is the 75^th. Personally, my view is perhaps, to give time for the husband to save enough money for a more elaborate celebration. As for the long gap between the 55^th and 75^th, perhaps, it is some sort of a standby period to check the couple’s endurance to live in this chaotic world.

 

A word of caution, though, for the husband: do not give as gift to the wife, a roll of toilet paper on the first year anniversary, cotton balls on the second year, and a leather dog collar or a leather chastity belt on the third year.

 

This observance is rooted on the ancient practice of the pagans and handed down the subsequent cultures. Admirably, today we sometimes come across stories of couples with both the husband and wife in their respective wheelchair happily holding hands and being pushed solemnly down the aisle toward the altar for their renewal of vows, on the occasion of their 75^th wedding anniversary…in a Catholic church. I am just glad that “My Way” is not sung during this ceremony.