{"id":1953,"date":"2021-06-30T08:19:02","date_gmt":"2021-06-30T08:19:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ohlovelydaymag.com\/?p=1953"},"modified":"2021-06-30T08:19:03","modified_gmt":"2021-06-30T08:19:03","slug":"history-of-anniversary-gifts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ohlovelydaymag.com\/history-of-anniversary-gifts\/","title":{"rendered":"History of Anniversary Gifts"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"History<\/p>\n

The complex, romantic, and surprisingly long history of wedding and anniversary gifts <\/p>\n

\"Man<\/p>\n

There are two types of people in the world. Ones that think there is nothing more romantic than themed anniversary gifts. And the ones that are running around the night before the big day wondering how on earth they are going to make a romantic gift made out of tin. <\/p>\n

Having gone through the traditions of proposing<\/a> and having a formal wedding ceremony<\/a>, many couples decided to stick with the traditions and give each other wedding anniversary presents. <\/p>\n

Weddings feel like timeless events, but many people are surprised when they learn that most of our wedding traditions only date back a few hundred years. <\/p>\n

While the concept of giving gifts before and after weddings has been around since weddings first began, the idea of themed anniversaries is a relatively new concept. The earliest evidence of which dates back to the late Victorian period<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Today, we are going to talk you through the history of giving anniversary gifts, the traditions behind them, and how themed gifts evolved to be the way they are today. We also have plenty of advice about what types of gifts you should be giving on each major anniversary. <\/p>\n

Let’s start by looking at the history of anniversary gifts. <\/p>\n

History\u200c \u200cof\u200c \u200cAnniversary\u200c \u200cGifts\u200c \u200c<\/h2>\n

\"Wrapped<\/p>\n

You may be surprised to learn that the idea of giving anniversary gifts dates back as far as the middle ages. It may date even further back but we have yet to find compelling evidence of this. <\/p>\n

Our journey into the history of anniversary gifts begins in ancient Rome. <\/p>\n

Ancient Rome and the Middle\u200c \u200cAges\u200c \u200c<\/h3>\n

Parts of the Holy Roman Empire<\/a> were very keen when it came to celebrating dates of the year. From this sprung the idea of celebrating wedding anniversaries<\/a>. <\/p>\n

The two main anniversaries that were celebrated were the 25th and 50th. On the 25th wedding anniversary, the wife would be given a silver wreath by her husband and a golden one on their 50th anniversary. <\/p>\n

The use of these two metals is where the Silver (25th) and Gold (50th) wedding anniversaries get their names from. At the time these were the only anniversaries that were celebrated with gifts. <\/p>\n

Victorian\u200c \u200cPeriod\u200c \u200c<\/h3>\n

“The Victorians, so fond of cataloging and classifying, were likely the first to adapt ancient customs into a prescribed list of gifts for each wedding anniversary.” – Gretchen Scoble and Ann Field, in The Meaning of Wedding Anniversaries <\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

In the Victorian era, we see the assignment of three major wedding anniversary gifts. <\/p>\n

Firstly, we see wood being assigned to the 5th wedding anniversary, in around 1875. Wood was chosen as it was a long lasting and tough material. <\/p>\n

The 75th anniversary was labeled the Diamond Anniversary during this time. As people began to live longer, and the concept of a 75th wedding anniversary became more plausible. <\/p>\n

Then we see Queen Victoria declaring her 60th year on the throne her Diamond Jubilee. <\/a>After this, 60th wedding anniversaries were associated with Diamonds as well as the later dates. Diamonds then start being combined with other precious materials to distinguish between later anniversaries. <\/p>\n

20th\u200c \u200cCentury\u200c \u200c \u200c<\/h3>\n

It was in the 20th century that we saw the true rise of anniversary gifts. <\/p>\n

At the turn of the century, we saw the introduction of different themes for each of the first 15 anniversaries. Later, themes for the subsequent 5 years were also given a theme. <\/p>\n

In the Blue Book of Social Usage (1922)<\/em>, Emily Post published a list of these themes. Many of the themes in her book are still used today. <\/p>\n

In 1937, The American National Retail Jeweler Association published their own comprehensive list. This list contained unique themes for every anniversary up to the 20th. Then a gift for every 5 years up to the 75th anniversary.* <\/p>\n

*For some unknown reason the 65th anniversary was skipped. <\/p>\n

Since this list was released, many other Associations have released their own list, based around their own industry. None of them have been as culturally impactful as the list from the American National Retail Jeweler Association. <\/p>\n

That being said, many people have now assigned other items –  like flowers, foods, and colors – to important anniversaries. It is now seen as acceptable to pick and choose from many different lists. <\/p>\n

Now that we know the history of anniversary gifting, let’s look at how gifts and commendations are given around the world. <\/p>\n

Wedding\u200c \u200cAnniversary\u200c \u200cGifts\u200c \u200cby\u200c \u200cRegion\u200c \u200c \u200c<\/h2>\n

\"Man<\/p>\n

Now, in modern times, wedding anniversaries are celebrated differently all over the world. As life expectancy is growing in nearly every country in the world, it is becoming more common for governments and monarchies to recognize the special anniversaries of their citizens. <\/p>\n

In this section, we will cover the different places in the world that offer special commendations to their citizens celebrating special wedding anniversaries. <\/p>\n

USA\u200c \u200c<\/h3>\n

In the USA, if you reach your 50th wedding anniversary you will receive a congratulations from the President. You will also receive one every following year. <\/p>\n

There are a few states that also celebrate this on a more local level, with state governors and mayors reaching out personally to the couples. <\/p>\n

Commonwealth\u200c \u200cCountries\u200c \u200c<\/h3>\n

When it comes to the list of anniversary gift themes, the Commonwealth Nations tend to follow the British list, if they follow any at all. <\/p>\n

However, members of Commonwealth nations can apply for something a little bit special. <\/p>\n

On their 60th, 65th, and 70th wedding anniversaries couples can apply to receive a special memorandum from the reigning British monarch. They will also receive a yearly message after the 70th anniversary. <\/p>\n

The message includes a signed picture of the monarch and well wishes from them. <\/p>\n

If a couple is interested in receiving this honor, they should get in contact with an official at Buckingham Palace (this can be done online<\/a> or by post), or they can get in touch with the Governor General\u2019s office within their own country. <\/p>\n

Members of the Commonwealth and the British Isles are also able to apply for a similar commendation from the monarch when they reach 100 years of age. <\/p>\n

Australia\u200c \u200c<\/h3>\n

As well as being able to apply for a congratulatory message from the reigning monarch, citizens of Australia have other options open to them. <\/p>\n

On the year of their 50th wedding anniversary, Australian couples will receive a letter of congratulations from the current Prime Minister. They will also receive one in every following year of their marriage. <\/p>\n

Then, depending on the state that the couple is living in, they may also receive commendations from other members of the federal and local government. Including the State Governor and members of their local parliament.  <\/p>\n

It is not uncommon for the leader of the Federal Opposition to also send letters or messages of congratulations. <\/p>\n

Canadians\u200c \u200c<\/h3>\n

As well as being able to apply for a congratulatory message from the reigning monarch, citizens of Canada also have other options open to them.<\/p>\n

On their 50th wedding anniversary and every five years following, the couple will be written to by the Governor General. <\/p>\n

In some regions, this achievement is also recognized on a more local level, with local parliaments, and sometimes even Mayors making a special effort to celebrate the achievement.  <\/p>\n

The Governor General is representative of the British Monarchy within Canada. For bigger anniversaries, the Canadian government may also wish to send the couple a congratulations card or letter. <\/p>\n

Roman Catholics<\/h3>\n

Roman Catholics all over the world are able to apply for a blessing from the Pope<\/a> during many of their key wedding anniversaries – 25th, 50th, 60th, and all afterward.  <\/p>\n

Couples can apply for this blessing through their own church, or others can apply for it for them. <\/p>\n

Traditional\u200c \u200cGifts\u200c \u200cvs\u200c \u200cModern\u200c \u200cGifts\u200c \u200c<\/h2>\n

\"Man<\/p>\n

Before we jump into the anniversary gift ideas, let’s take a look at the different types of anniversary lists that are currently popular. <\/p>\n

Traditional\u200c \u200cGifts\u200c \u200c<\/h3>\n

When it comes to traditional gifting, there are two lists you can turn to – the British list and the American list. <\/p>\n

The lists are fairly similar until you reach the 10th anniversary. After that, they begin to deviate from each other. <\/p>\n

Something that is quite interesting is that wool features much more regularly in the British list, possibly because wool was such a key part of British industry when these lists were first being written. <\/p>\n

The key feature of both of these traditional lists is that the items gain value as you make your way through the list. They do this for two reasons, to show the value of the relationship, and to celebrate the achievement more with each gift. <\/p>\n

These lists are pretty much the same as the list that was released by the American National Retail Jeweler Association in 1937. The jewelers chose to make a lot of the later anniversaries linked with precious stones, metals, and gems. Getting more valuable as time goes on. <\/p>\n

The combination of metal and gems for the later dates suggests that the ANRJA has jewelry in mind when they wrote this list.  <\/p>\n

Modern\u200c \u200cGifts\u200c \u200c<\/h3>\n

The list of modern gifts differs greatly from the Traditional lists until you reach the later dates (post 25th celebrations). <\/p>\n

The modern list offers ideas for every year up until the 50th anniversary, and therefore has a lot more items in it. It also has gift ideas ranging up to the 100th wedding anniversary. <\/p>\n

The modern list is a lot more specific than the traditional one – a real lifeline for struggling spouses. <\/p>\n

The list: <\/h4>\n

First \u2013 Clocks<\/p>\n

Second \u2013 China<\/p>\n

Third \u2013 Crystal\/Glass<\/p>\n

Fourth \u2013 Appliances<\/p>\n

Fifth \u2013 Silverware<\/p>\n

Sixth \u2013 Wood Objects<\/p>\n

Seventh \u2013 Desk sets<\/p>\n

Eighth \u2013 Linen, Lace<\/p>\n

Ninth \u2013 Leather Goods<\/p>\n

Tenth \u2013 Diamond<\/p>\n

Eleventh \u2013 Fashion jewelry<\/p>\n

Twelfth \u2013 Pearls, Colored gems<\/p>\n

Thirteenth \u2013 Textiles<\/p>\n

Fourteenth \u2013 Gold jewelry<\/p>\n

Fifteenth \u2013 Watches<\/p>\n

Sixteenth \u2013 Silver holloware<\/p>\n

Seventeenth \u2013 Furniture<\/p>\n

Eighteenth \u2013 Porcelain<\/p>\n

Nineteenth \u2013 Bronze<\/p>\n

Twentieth \u2013 Platinum<\/p>\n

21st \u2013 Brass, Nickel<\/p>\n

22nd \u2013 Copper<\/p>\n

23rd \u2013 Silverplate<\/p>\n

24th \u2013 Musical instruments<\/p>\n

Twenty-Fifth \u2013 Sterling Silver<\/p>\n

26th \u2013 Original pictures<\/p>\n

27th \u2013 Sculpture<\/p>\n

28th \u2013 Orchids<\/p>\n

29th \u2013 New furniture<\/p>\n

Thirtieth \u2013 Diamond<\/p>\n

31st \u2013 Timepieces<\/p>\n

32nd \u2013 Conveyances (e.g., automobiles)<\/p>\n

33rd \u2013 Amethyst<\/p>\n

34th \u2013 Opal<\/p>\n

Thirty-Fifth \u2013 Jade<\/p>\n

36th \u2013 Bone china<\/p>\n

37th \u2013 Alabaster<\/p>\n

38th \u2013 Beryl, Tourmaline<\/p>\n

39th \u2013 Lace<\/p>\n

Fortieth \u2013 Ruby<\/p>\n

41st \u2013 Land<\/p>\n

42nd \u2013 Improved real estate<\/p>\n

43rd \u2013 Travel<\/p>\n

44th \u2013 Groceries<\/p>\n

Forty-Fifth \u2013 Sapphire<\/p>\n

46th \u2013 Original poetry tribute<\/p>\n

47th \u2013 Books<\/p>\n

48th \u2013 Optical goods (e.g., telescope, microscope)<\/p>\n

49th \u2013 Luxuries, any kind<\/p>\n

Fiftieth \u2013 Gold<\/p>\n

Fifty-fifth \u2013 Emerald<\/p>\n

Sixtieth \u2013 Diamond<\/p>\n

80th \u2013 Diamond, Pearl<\/p>\n

85th \u2013 Diamond, Sapphire<\/p>\n

90th \u2013 Diamond, Emerald<\/p>\n

95th \u2013 Diamond, Ruby<\/p>\n

100th \u2013 10-carat Diamond<\/p>\n

Flower\u200c \u200cGifts\u200c \u200c<\/h3>\n

Some couples choose to celebrate their wedding anniversaries with floral arrangements or by planting flowers together. <\/p>\n

It is often the method of celebration chosen by people sending gifts to the happy couple – family members, friends, and bosses for example. <\/p>\n

The flowers chosen for the list have been picked as they represent the different stages of love. For example, Carnations represent young and tender love that thrives when nourished and looked after. <\/p>\n

The list of flowers covers every anniversary until the 15th, and then the 25th, 28th, 30th, 40th, and 50th anniversaries too. <\/p>\n

The List:<\/h4>\n

1st Anniversary \u2013 Carnation<\/p>\n

2nd Anniversary \u2013 Cosmos Flower<\/p>\n

3rd Anniversary \u2013 Fuchsia<\/p>\n

4th Anniversary \u2013 Geranium<\/p>\n

5th Anniversary – Daisy flower<\/p>\n

6th Anniversary \u2013 Calla Lily<\/p>\n

7th Anniversary \u2013 Jack in the Pulpit<\/p>\n

8th Anniversary \u2013 Clematis<\/p>\n

9th Anniversary – Poppy<\/p>\n

10th Anniversary \u2013 Daffodil<\/p>\n

11th Anniversary – Morning Glory<\/p>\n

12th Anniversary \u2013 Peony<\/p>\n

13th Anniversary \u2013 Hollyhock<\/p>\n

14th Anniversary – Dahlia<\/p>\n

15th Anniversary \u2013 Rose<\/p>\n

20th Anniversary \u2013 Daylily<\/p>\n

25th Anniversary \u2013 Iris<\/p>\n

28th Anniversary \u2013 Orchid<\/p>\n

30th Anniversary \u2013 Lily<\/p>\n

40th Anniversary \u2013 Gladioli<\/p>\n

50th Anniversary \u2013 Yellow Rose\/Violet<\/p>\n

Jewelry Gifts <\/h3>\n

As we mentioned above, the most ‘influential gifts by year’ list was written by the American National Retail Jeweler Association. Therefore many of the gifts are themed around jewelry. <\/p>\n

Over the years, another list has been developed that is entirely themed around jewelry and precious stones. <\/p>\n

The list: <\/h4>\n

1st Mother of Pearl<\/p>\n

2nd Garnet<\/p>\n

3rd Moonstone<\/p>\n

4th Blue Topaz<\/p>\n

5th Rose Quartz<\/p>\n

6th Amethyst<\/p>\n

7th Onyx<\/p>\n

8th Tourmaline<\/p>\n

9th Lapis Lazuli<\/p>\n

10th Crystal or Green Tourmaline<\/p>\n

11th Turquoise<\/p>\n

12th Jade<\/p>\n

13th Citrine<\/p>\n

14th Opal<\/p>\n

15th Rhodolite<\/p>\n

16th Peridot<\/p>\n

17th Carnelian<\/p>\n

18th Cat\u2019s Eye<\/p>\n

19th Aquamarine<\/p>\n

20th Platinum<\/p>\n

25th Tsavorite or Silver<\/p>\n

30th Pearl<\/p>\n

35th Emerald<\/p>\n

40th Ruby<\/p>\n

45th Sapphire<\/p>\n

50th Gold<\/p>\n

55th Emerald<\/p>\n

60th Diamond<\/p>\n

65th Sapphire<\/p>\n

List\u200c \u200cof\u200c \u200cTraditional\u200c \u200cGifts\u200c \u200c(and ideas to go with them) <\/h2>\n

\"Man<\/p>\n

Below you will find a complete list of Traditional anniversary gifts, as well as a gift-giving guide for those of you who are struggling to come up with ideas. <\/p>\n

The List (US): <\/h3>\n

1st \u2013 Paper<\/p>\n

2nd \u2013 Cotton<\/p>\n

3rd \u2013 Leather<\/p>\n

4th \u2013 Linen (Silk)<\/p>\n

5th \u2013 Wood<\/p>\n

6th \u2013 Iron<\/p>\n

7th \u2013 Wool\/Copper<\/p>\n

8th \u2013 Bronze<\/p>\n

9th \u2013 Pottery (China)<\/p>\n

10th \u2013 Tin\/Aluminum<\/p>\n

11th \u2013 Steel<\/p>\n

12th \u2013 Silk<\/p>\n

13th \u2013 Lace<\/p>\n

14th \u2013 Ivory<\/p>\n

15th \u2013 Crystal<\/p>\n

20th \u2013 China<\/p>\n

25th \u2013 Silver<\/p>\n

30th \u2013 Pearl<\/p>\n

35th \u2013 Coral\/Jade<\/p>\n

40th \u2013 Ruby<\/p>\n

45th \u2013 Sapphire<\/p>\n

50th \u2013 Gold<\/p>\n

55th \u2013 Emerald<\/p>\n

60th \u2013 Diamond<\/p>\n

75th \u2013 diamonds, diamond-like stones, gold<\/p>\n

1st \u2013 Paper<\/h3>\n

Many couples like to theme their first anniversary around journeys and adventures – to celebrate the first year of their joint lives: <\/p>\n