By Catherine Royka

The tradition of celebrating each wedding anniversary with a symbolic gift goes as far back as the Middle Ages. In Germanic regions of Europe, it was customary to present the wife with a silver wreath on their 25th anniversary and a gold one on their 50th. The custom of gifting for the other anniversaries began in the Victorian era and that list expanded in the 20th century thanks to Emily Post and the American National Retail Jeweler Association. While the origins of how each material was selected to represent a year isn’t known, it’s apparent the objects progressively increase in value and strength as the years go by. As you and your husband start your lives together, it’s fun to celebrate each year with a traditional gift that symbolizes the enduring love of your marriage.

1st: Paper

2nd: Cotton

3rd: Leather

4th: Fruit & Flowers or Linen & Silk

5th: Wood

6th: Iron/Candy

7th: Wool/Copper 8th: Bronze

9th: Pottery

10th: Tin/Aluminum

11th: Steel

12th: Silk 13th: Lace

14th: Ivory 15th: Crystal 20th: China 25th: Silver 30th: Pearl 35th: Coral 40th: Ruby

45th: Sapphire 50th: Gold 55th: Emerald 60th: Diamond