You’re probably aware that each anniversary has its own symbol, which is supposed to be incorporated into a gift for that year (like silver for 25th anniversaries). Have you ever looked at that list of traditional anniversary symbols, though? Check it out. It’s weird.
Paper is the symbol of a couple’s first year together, which to me is more what a gift is wrapped in than a gift itself. The 3rd anniversary symbol is leather, which might make a perfect gift or an awkward conversation, depending on your and your partner’s preferences. Then there’s the 10th anniversary, whose symbol is aluminum. How do you even make a gift of that?
The modern list is only slightly less strange. A desk set for a 7th anniversary? Why? If you want to keep with tradition but also want to give a simple gift that you know will be loved and appreciated, ditch those lists and give the traditional flowers that represent each year of partnership.
1st Anniversary
The carnation is the traditional flower of the 1st anniversary. It represents love, of course, and passion. Colours like pink and red are symbolic of varying stages of affection. That said, these flowers come in such a range that you could choose any colour that’s meaningful to the person or couple you’re giving them to, and there would likely be a carnation in that shade.
5th Anniversary
Daisies are the flower of 5th anniversaries. They have symbolic associations with childbirth and parenthood (especially motherhood), which make them an especially great gift if a couple is planning on, or has, children. Even if children are not in a couple’s future, though, these flowers are a bright, cheerful gift that brings a lot of joy.
10th Anniversary
Daffodils are the symbol of the 10th anniversary. This is great if the anniversary in question falls during the spring, but might need some more leg work if it happens at other times of the year. Symbolizing spring, rebirth and returning life, the cheerful yellow of the daffodil is always a welcome gift. Even if the marriage in question hasn’t gone through a proverbial winter yet.
15th Anniversary
The rose, that iconic symbol of love, celebrates 15 years together. Each colour has its own special significance, with white representing purity, red symbolizing passion, and so forth.
You could find a shade that says exactly what you mean, or mix colours in a bouquet to express the many things you might feel about the person you’re giving them to. Or you could ignore colour symbolism altogether and give someone a beautiful bouquet in a hue you know they love.
20th Anniversary
Asters, with their rich history and mythology, are the 20th anniversary flower. These sacred flowers are depicted in several myths and legends as springing from fallen tears (of the goddess Astraea, for one). They’re a symbol of the beauty that comes from trials and tribulations, and also one of the most romantic anniversary gift ideas for her, him or them.
25th Anniversary
The iris is the flower of 25th anniversaries. Iris flowers are the namesake of the Greek goddess Iris, who used rainbows as a way to deliver messages between god/desses and mortals. They have a longstanding association with royalty and royal houses, and do make a luxurious-looking gift.
30th Anniversary
Lilies are the flowers that mark 30 years together. Lilies have many symbolic meanings, depending on culture. They’re associated with purity, motherhood, good luck, devotion, and, of course, love.
You can choose lilies based on the symbolism of the colour, or mix them into a bouquet that’s as complex and wonderful as a 30-year-old marriage is likely to be. Some lilies have a strong scent. Make scent sensitivity a factor in your choice!
40th Anniversary
Gladiolas are the 40th anniversary flower. Sword-shaped leaves give this flower its name, and it’s associated with strength and integrity. The name evokes gladiators in combat, but the flower is more supposed to symbolize a couple’s strength in adversity, commitment and faithfulness.
50th Anniversary
50th anniversaries are the only ones to have two flowers to represent them: violets and yellow roses. Violets are the traditional flower that symbolizes this milestone. They represent modesty and humility, although they also have mythological connections to death and rebirth.
Giving yellow roses as 50th anniversary gifts likely came about because of the connection between that anniversary and gold. Gold is the traditional (and the modern) symbol of a 50th anniversary, and yellow roses are about as close as you could get to a floral equivalent.
Celebrate each year of partnership with its traditional flower. All the flowers on this list are gorgeous and widely loved. They’ll make your shopping budget-friendly, and your gift-giving foolproof. Unlike trying to go with the traditional or modern anniversary symbol system, which at some point will require you to buy somebody a ruby.
Last but not least, if you have a pet in your home and you want to make sure your anniversary gift for your partner is pet-safe, check out Pet-Safe Flower Gifts for All Occasions for more information.
Feature image: Karolina Grabowska; Image 1: Evie Fjord
