Wedding Anniversaries

Marriage is a near universal experience. Most societies, cultures and religions recognise it and over many centuries, unique traditions, beliefs and customs have grown up around marriage. Despite modern cynicism, changing social patterns and the rejection of old-fashioned institutions, we are still choosing to 'tie the knot' with our loved ones.

The tradition of marking the successful completion of a period of marriage with a special gift has survived largely through oral history. Each year, attention is paid to this old folklore custom and relevant gifts are given to the couple. The anniversaries most generally observed and celebrated with presents and parties are the silver, ruby, golden and diamond. Luckily, the tokens associated with the other anniversaries have charm without great cost and will inspire the perfect gift for those celebrating another year of marriage.

The meaning of the months of marriage

Married when the year is new
He'll be loving, kind and true
When February birds do mate
You wed nor dread your fate
If you wed when March winds blow
Joy and sorrow both you'll know
Marry in April when you can
Joy for maiden and the man
Marry in the month of May
And you'll surely rue the day
Marry when the June roses grow
Over land and sea you'll go
Those, who in July do wed
Must labour for their daily bread
Whoever wed in August be
Many a change is sure to see
Marry in September's shine
Your living will be rich and fine
If in October you do marry
Love will come, but riches tarry
If you wed in bleak November
Only joys will come, remember
When December's snows fall fast
Marry and true love will last.
Old English rhyme

Cookie Lee also explores the symbols of the years of marriage - an example is given here of the 35th anniversary for which the traditional gift is Coral:

A belt of straw and ivy buds,
With coral clasps and amber studs,
And if these pleasures may thee move,
Come live with me, and be my love.
Christopher Marlowe ( 1543 - 1607 )

Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it.
Song of Solomon

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