What are the Traditional Names for Wedding Anniversaries Each Year

Wedding anniversaries are special occasions that are celebrated by couples all around the world. While the celebration of these milestones may vary from culture to culture, one tradition that is observed universally is the use of traditional names for each anniversary year.

Wedding Anniversaries

Wedding Anniversaries Names by Year

The tradition of naming wedding anniversaries dates back to medieval times when only milestone anniversaries such as the 25th and 50th were celebrated. However, as time passed, other significant anniversaries were given names, and the tradition has continued to this day.

The first year of marriage is often referred to as the "paper anniversary." This name is said to signify the fragility of the relationship, which is still in its early stages. The second year is known as the "cotton anniversary,", representing the durability and versatility of the material.

Year three is the "leather anniversary," which signifies the strength and durability of the bond between the couple. The fourth year is known as the "fruit or flowers anniversary," which represents the blossoming of the relationship.

The fifth year of marriage is the "wood anniversary," symbolising the strength and endurance of the relationship. The sixth year is referred to as the "iron anniversary," which signifies the strength and resilience of the couple's bond.

The seventh year of marriage is known as the "copper anniversary," which represents the malleability and adaptability of the relationship. The eighth year is the "bronze anniversary," which signifies the strength and resilience of the marriage.

Then, if you come across the term "pottery anniversary", it’s dedicated to the ninth year of the marriage and symbolises the moulding and shaping of the relationship. Now, for the couples who have achieved 10 years of togetherness, it’s called a tin wedding. This anniversary signifies the flexibility and durability of the relationship. After a decade, the anniversary gifts should reflect the couple's unwavering commitment. If you are in search of wedding anniversary gift ideas for the same, an arrangement of tulips will be the best.

As years pass in a marriage, the stones and materials were chosen to commemorate the occasion to signify the couple's strength and endurance. And from the 16th to the 20th year, precious stones are introduced to celebrate the marriage's resilience. The experts recommend choosing gifts that evoke the early moments of the relationship, reminding a couple of their journey together.

Lastly, whatever wedding anniversary you are celebrating, remember your love towards one another and mark it every time like the newlyweds.