The Anniversary Symbol List by Year.

There is a strong tradition of giving gifts for wedding anniversaries that either represent or are made from the anniversary symbol traditionally associated with that year of marriage.  There are two main lists of symbols by year in circulation, the traditional and the modern.  Both anniversary lists have some variations, according to local tradition.

What is a Wedding Anniversary?

A wedding anniversary is the anniversary of the date a wedding took place.

On a wedding anniversary in many countries it is traditional to give a gift to your partner (or couples) that symbolise the number of years of marriage.

The names of some wedding anniversaries provide guidance for appropriate or traditional gifts for the spouses to give each other; if there is a party to celebrate the wedding anniversary these gifts can be brought by the guests and/or influence the theme or decoration of the venue.

The Origin of the Symbols

Wedding anniversary symbols, though probably practiced informally even before, truly began in 1897. In that year, Queen Victoria of England celebrated her sixtieth year on the throne. The event was called the “diamond jubilee,” and well-wishers celebrated by giving diamonds as gifts, effectively creating the modern diamond market. 

Modern anniversary symbols are skewed more for contemporary standards of wealth. As such, a completely new table has been established which is just as valid as the traditional one.

Wedding anniversary names common to most nations :

Wooden (5th), Tin (10th), Crystal (15th), China (20th), Silver (25th), Pearl (30th), Ruby (40th), Golden (50th), and Diamond (60th).