History of Traditional Anniversary Gifts
The tradition of giving defined gifts to mark wedding anniversary dates began several hundred years ago, in the Germanic region of medieval Europe. The 'Silver' anniversary was one of the first significant celebratory marriage landmarks, marking the twenty-fifth year of marriage with the gifting of a silver garland.
Wood as a traditional anniversary gift has its roots in 17th century Wales, when a gift of a carved wooden spoon ("Celtic Love-spoon") was given as a token of affection, and to demonstrate the male suitor's abilities as a craftsman. There is also the symbolic relationship to the basic household cawl, or soup spoon [2], which embodies the concept of domesticity.
The giving of precious gemstones as an anniversary gift began during the Mid-Victorian Period, and was popularized by Queen Victoria's 'Diamond Jubilee' in 1897, marking the 60 year anniversary of her crowning as the British Monarch.
Modern Anniversary Gifts
The complete list of "suggested" wedding anniversary gifts (below) was compiled by the American National Retail Jewelers' Association (ANRJA), now the Jewelers of America, in 1937. According to the current edition of Emily Post's Book of Etiquette, strict adherence to the list of traditional gifts is not obligatory, and is only a guideline, but as time goes on, the list is has taken on more significance.
Traditional & Modern Anniversary Gift Chart
 |
| 1 Year Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Paper |
Modern Gift: Clock |
|
| 2nd Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Cotton or Straw |
Modern Gift: China or Garnet |
|
| 3rd Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Leather |
Modern Gift: Crystal |
|
| 4th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Flowers or Fruit |
Modern Gift: Appliances |
|
| 5th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Wood |
Modern Gift: Silverware |
|
| 6th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Iron or Sweets |
Modern Gift: Wood |
|
| 7th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Copper or Wool |
Modern Gift: Desk Set |
|
| 8th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Bronze or Pottery |
Modern Gift: Lace or Linen |
|
| 9th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Pottery |
Modern Gift: Leather |
|
| 10 Year Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Aluminum or Tin |
Modern Gift: Diamonds |
|
 |
|
| 11th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Steel |
Modern Gift: Fashion Jewelry |
|
| 12th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Silk or Linen |
Modern Gift: Pearls |
|
| 13th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Lace |
Modern Gift: Fur or Textiles |
|
| 14th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Ivory or Agate |
Modern Gift: Gold Jewelry |
|
| 15th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Crystal |
Modern Gift :Watches |
|
| 16th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Silver Holloware |
Modern Gift: Silver |
|
| 17th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Furniture |
Modern Gift: Furniture |
|
| 18th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Porcelain |
Modern Gift: Porcelain |
|
| 19th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: none |
Modern Gift: Bronze or Garnet |
|
| 20 Year Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: China |
Modern Gift: Platinum |
|
|
|
| 25th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Silver |
Modern Gift: Silver |
|
| 30 Year Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Pearls |
Modern Gift: Diamonds |
|
| 35th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Coral |
Modern Gift : Jade |
|
| 40 Year Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Ruby |
Modern Gift: Ruby |
|
| 45th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Sapphire |
Modern Gift: Sapphire |
|
| 50 Year Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Gold |
Modern Gift: Gold |
|
| 55th Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Emerald |
Modern Gift: Emerald |
|
| 60 Year Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Diamonds |
Modern Gift: Diamonds |
|
| 70 Year Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: |
Modern Gift: Platinum |
|
| 75th Year Anniversary: |
Traditional Gift: Diamonds |
Modern Gift: Diamonds |
|
Bibliography & References for Wedding Anniversary Traditions
1. Shirley Adler, Carving Spoons: Welsh Love Spoons, Celtic Knots  . Fox Chapel Publishing
2. Llwyau Sgwd, Origins of the Love Spoon Custom www.waterfall-lovespoons.com
3. Sharon Littley, Celtic Carved Lovespoons . Fox Chapel Publishing
4. Emily Post, Emily Post's Etiquette . Collins
5. Oppi Untracht, Jewelry Concepts & Technology - Complete Reference Guide . Doubleday
6. Naogya University, The Victorian Literary Studies Archive . www.lang.nagoya-u.ac.jp
7. Alison Gernsheim, Victorian and Edwardian Fashion . Dover Publications
8. Jewelers of America (JA), National Association for Professional Retail Jewelers . www.jewelers.org
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