25th Anniversary Traditions

Anniversaries have always had a special significance for humankind throughout society. Children love to celebrate their birthday each year, and society honors great people with a holiday on their birthday, even long after they have passed into history. Wedding anniversaries also have special significance and gifts are often exchanged, as couples remember their nuptial vows each year. Usually a private celebration between husband and wife, anniversaries take on a shared significance at certain milestones, and may call for a party and a gathering of close friends. The 25th wedding anniversary is also known as the "silver" anniversary.

History

In medieval Germany, making it to the 25th anniversary was a big deal, not just because the couple was still happily married, but because they had both survived that long. In the Middle Ages, Europe was prone to many forms of early death, especially the Black Plague which killed a large percentage of Europe's population. So when a couple reached the 25th anniversary milestone, it became common for them to celebrate this achievement.

Silver

Typically the celebration was just between the husband and the wife, although it sometimes may have included close family and friends. The husband would crown his wife with a silver wreath or garland to celebrate their long life and happy relationship together. This is where the tradition of silver comes in. In other cases the 25th anniversary is called a Silver Jubilee which is a period proclaimed by the Roman Catholic pope as a time of celebration and renewal.

Gifts

Silver is the choice for anniversary gifts when celebrating the 25th milestone. While some anniversary milestones have different gifts for traditional and modern, the 25th anniversary is silver for traditional and sterling silver for modern. The traditional flower for the 25th wedding anniversary is the iris. Some ideas for gifts for the couple include a silver candle stick, a sterling silver photo frame, a silver vase or platter with their names engraved, or a beautiful silver photo album documenting their history together.

Party

Some common celebration ideas for the 25th anniversary include the renewal of vows and throwing a large party. Typically the children of the couple plan a party for the couple to celebrate their long union. Many couples choose to mark this milestone by planning a vow renewal ceremony with all their close family and friends in attendance.

Decorations

Traditional decorations for the 25th anniversary party include, of course, lots of silver. Decorate with silver balloons and streamers, silver candles and dinnerware. If the season is in, order some bouquets of irises for the tables, with a special arrangement for the couple's table. Offer remembrance tokens to guests such as small silver frames or candles.

References

• Anniversary Party Invitations

Resources

• Anniversary Poems