Wedding anniversaries: Historical facts and regional celebrations
Holy Roman Empire
Historically, the origin of the wedding anniversary can be traced back to the Holy Roman Empire. During this time, husbands celebrated their wives by crowning them on particular landmark years. Specifically, on the 25th anniversary, wives were crowned with a wreath of silver. When the couple made it to their 50th anniversary, she was adorned with a wreath of gold. As traditions began to change in later centuries, anniversaries came to be recognized as an annual event which is celebrated with very special gifts.
We provide more detail which you can find in our footer information under the headings: 25th Silver Anniversary and 50th Golden Anniversary.
Roman Catholics
Traditionally, Roman Catholics have recognized and celebrated wedding anniversaries within the organization. Members may submit an application for a blessing by the Pope. These applications are normally processed through the local dioceses for special wedding celebrations (ie, 25th, 50th, 60th and so forth). Men and women also exchange special gifts, flowers and cards each year.
Commonwealth nations
Traditions in the Commonwealth can be traced back to earlier times, especially since the significance of wedding anniversaries are highly regarded in Commonwealth nations. For couples who want to participate in receiving a special memorandum by the Monarch, they can apply for this recognition in the succession of the 60th, 65th and the 70th wedding anniversary celebrations. Applications must be made to the UK via Buckingham Palace. These applications can also be made to the Governor General’s office within each Commonwealth country.
Australia
The Prime Minister of Australia will send a congratulatory letter to citizens on their 50th Wedding anniversary, and any subsequent years. Additionally, salutations for the same anniversary years may be sent by others in official capacities, including local parliament members, State Governors and the Federal Opposition Leader.
Canadians
The anniversaries of Canadian residents are recognized by the Governor General in the form of a special message on the 50th wedding anniversary, and upon every five years thereafter.
The United States
The US has its own traditions, which includes the sending of greetings by the President on the 50th anniversary, and any subsequent years following.
For a comprehensive list of anniversary gifts by year for the US, please refer our section in the footer Anniversary Gifts by Year.
A message for all husbands
To express genuine love and adoration for your wife, you will do well to give her a stunning Eternity Rose. This is a natural rose that has been preserved for a lifetime, dipped in pure 24 karat gold, platinum or silver, or preserved in a range of beautiful natural colors which are glazed with gold trimming. Such a gift is often displayed in an important place to symbolize the love and devotion that is shared between the two of you. In later years, your kids may even display it to remember the bond their parents had over so many years. We are quite sure that many Eternity Roses will eventually become family heirlooms.
For those last minute anniversary gifts, you are able to place your order via our website and receive your Eternity Rose within just a few days.