Wedding anniversaries

Wedding anniversaries are special occasions that deserve to be celebrated with love and enthusiasm. Each year spent together as a married couple is a precious milestone, marking the evolution and strengthening of the bonds that unite you. In this article, we invite you to discover the different traditions and meanings of wedding anniversaries. They are often associated with specific materials, with each year having its own significance. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages. Today, this custom has expanded to include symbols for each year of marriage.

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Wedding anniversaries from 1 to 20 years

1 year: Noces de coton
Cotton symbolizes softness and suppleness, as well as durability, representing the first year of marriage when couples learn to forge strong bonds. In ancient times, cotton was considered to have the power to repel bad vibes and protect the home.

2 ans : Noces de cuir
Leather is durable and flexible, symbolizing a relationship that becomes stronger and more adaptable over time. Leather doesn't wear out, but develops a patina over time, like the marriage it represents.

3 years: Wheat weddings
Wheat is a variety of wheat, symbolizing prosperity, fertility and growth, suggesting a flourishing relationship nurtured by love and commitment.

4 years: Wax wedding
Wax, malleable and protective, evokes the softness and warmth that develop within a couple. Wax is a material that can be molded and shaped, symbolizing the couple's ability to adapt and evolve together over the years. Wax is also used to make candles, representing the light and warmth the couple brings to their life together.

5 years: Wooden wedding
Wood symbolizes solidity and stability, reflecting a relationship that takes deep root over the years.

6 ans : Noces de chypre
Chypre, a complex, rich fragrance that refers to a family of scents characterized by notes of bergamot, oakmoss and patchouli. This blend represents the elegance, depth and complexity of the relationship.

7 ans : Noces de laine
Wool is soft and warm, evoking the comfort and protection the couple provides each other.

8 ans : Noces de coquelicot
The poppy, symbol of eternal sleep and dreams, represents the beauty and delicacy of love. Often associated with ephemeral beauty and resilience, the poppy thrives in difficult conditions, and also symbolizes the strength that couples endure even in difficult times.

9 years: Noces de faïence
Earthenware, though delicate, is beautiful and precious. It's a material that needs to be cared for to show off its best. Earthenware is therefore a reminder of the importance for couples to take care of each other.

10 years: Tin wedding
Tin is strong and flexible. After ten years of marriage, pewter symbolizes the couple's ability to adapt to change while remaining strong and resilient. It's a symbol of the solidity and durability of their relationship.

11 years: Coral wedding
Coral, precious and rare, symbolizes the protection and natural beauty of lasting love. It can also be associated with the depth of a relationship, as coral is found at the bottom of the sea.

12 years: Silk wedding
Silk is luxurious and strong, evoking the richness and strength of the relationship. A famous Chinese proverb, "With time and patience, mulberry leaves turn into silk dresses", explains that patience in the couple leads to a prosperous marriage.

13 years: Lily ofthe valley
Lily of the valley symbolizes renewal and happiness, representing a relationship that continues to bloom happily. Also known as the "lily of the valleys", the lily of the valley is a delicate flower that symbolizes happiness and purity. In the language of flowers, it is often associated with the return of happiness.

14 years: Noces de plomb
Lead, malleable and solid, symbolizes the flexibility and robustness of the relationship. It symbolizes the strength and stability of the couple's bond, as well as their ability to withstand hardship and get through difficult times together.

15 years: Crystal wedding
Crystal is clear and pure, representing transparency and clarity in relationships. Crystal is also believed to heal aches and wounds. It is used in many cultures as a natural remedy.

20 years: Porcelain wedding
Porcelain, beautiful yet fragile, symbolizes the delicate, precious beauty of two decades of marriage. It also represents the couple's longevity, as porcelain is fine and fragile, but can withstand extreme heat.

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Wedding anniversaries from 21 to 40 years old

Age 21: Opal wedding
Opal is a stone that reflects a rainbow of colors. In ancient Greece, it is said that opal was born from the tears of joy of the king of the gods, Zeus, after his victory over the Titans. When these tears touched the ground, they were transformed into opals. Since then, the Greeks have attributed powers of clairvoyance and prophecy to this stone.

22 years: Bronze wedding
Bronze is an enduring alloy, symbolizing the strength and resilience of marriage after more than two decades.

23 years: Beryl wedding
This mineral is known for forming colorful crystals and is found in a variety of colors, such as emerald or aquamarine. Beryl represents enthusiasm and optimism, qualities needed to move forward in your marriage.

24 years: Satin wedding
Satin, with its soft, smooth texture, represents the softness and comfort of the relationship after 24 years of marriage.

25 years: Silver wedding
Silver is precious and enduring, representing a quarter century of love and commitment. Inancient times, silver crowns were placed on the heads of couples who had been married for 25 years, a tradition that allowed couples to show the longevity of their relationship to everyone.

Age 26: Jade wedding
Jade is a stone often found in green hues, representing hope and good fortune. In China, it symbolizes purity, morality and harmony. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine.

27 years: Mahogany wedding
Mahogany, a noble and robust wood, symbolizes the solidity and depth of the marital bond.

28 years: Nickel weddings
Nickel is a material represented by the number 28 in chemistry, which is why nickel weddings are celebrated for 28 years of marriage.

29 years: Velvet wedding
Velvet, with its rich, luxurious texture, represents the richness and softness of married life after 29 years.

30 years: Pearl wedding
The rare and precious pearl symbolizes purity. The pearl is an element often found in jewelry, representing rarity and brilliance.

Age 31: Noces de basane
A finely worked leather that symbolizes durability and solidity. Basane is a goat's, sheep's or pig's leather tanned with alum and oil, generally used for bookbinding and sometimes for clothing or leather goods.

32 years: Copper wedding
Copper is a metal that symbolizes warmth and protection. After 32 years of marriage, copper represents the way the couple have supported and protected each other throughout their journey together.

33 years: Porphyry wedding
Porphyry symbolizes stability and splendor. After 33 years of marriage, the couple has overcome many challenges and remained rock solid. As porphyry is often used in imposing constructions, it reminds the couple of the grandeur of their love and commitment.

34 ans : Noces d'ambre
Amber is a fossil resin formed from the resin of prehistoric trees, fossilized over time, and used for thousands of years in jewelry, sculptures and decorative objects. In certain esoteric traditions, amber is associated with curative and protective properties.

35 years: Ruby wedding
The fiery red ruby represents a couple's deep, passionate love. Ruby is also a very hard gemstone, second only to diamond in terms of hardness.

36 years: Chiffon weddings
Chiffon is a light, transparent fabric made from natural fibers such as cotton or silk, symbolizing softness and lightness.

37 years: Paper wedding
Paper symbolizes continuity and resilience. After 37 years of marriage, the couple has written a long love story together, filled with precious moments and unforgettable memories. As paper can be folded and unfolded at will without ever breaking, it reminds the couple of the strength and flexibility of their relationship.

38 years: Mercury weddings
Mercury is a silvery liquid chemical element, often used in thermometers and barometers, and is the only liquid at room temperature. Mercury is known in Roman mythology as the god of trade, travel and the messenger of other gods. In astrology, Mercury is symbolic of mental and intellectual faculties.

39 years: Crepe wedding
Crepe symbolizes softness and comfort. After 39 years of marriage, the couple finds comfort and joy in their relationship, even after all these years. Silk crepe is a fabric often used to make wedding dresses.

40 years: Emerald wedding
The vibrant green emerald symbolizes the vitality and prosperity of a long life together. This stone is also known as the "stone of wisdom".

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Wedding anniversaries from 41 to 60 years old

Age 41: Iron wedding
Iron is an abundant metal in the earth's crust, used for millennia in the manufacture of tools and metal structures. Iron symbolizes strength and robustness, not least because it's the metal used to forge weapons.

42 ans : Noces de nacre
Mother-of-pearl, composed of aragonite crystals, is the product of a natural process: it is secreted by mollusks, such as oysters, and covers the inside of their shells. When a foreign element penetrates their shell, molluscs cover it with nacre, creating pearls. Mother-of-pearl is widely used in jewelry.

43 years: Flannel wedding
Flannel symbolizes softness and warmth. After 43 years of marriage, the couple finds comfort and security in their relationship, even after so many years. As flannel is soft to the touch and pleasant to wear, it reminds the couple of the tenderness and complicity that unites them.

44 years: Topaz wedding
Topaz is a multi-colored gemstone, often mined in regions such as Brazil, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Topaz symbolizes diversity and richness.

45 years: Vermeil wedding
Vermeil is a metal composed of silver and coated with gold. The silver represents the solidity of the union, and the gold adds a precious, sparkling touch to this love.

46 years: Lavender wedding
Lavender symbolizes peace and serenity. As lavender is often used in wellness and relaxation products, it reminds the couple of the sweetness and calm that emanate from their love.

47 years: Cashmere wedding
Cashmere is a soft, insulating natural fiber obtained from the down of cashmere goats.

48 years: Amethyst wedding
Amethyst symbolizes peace and wisdom. After 48 years of marriage, the couple finds harmony and tranquility in their relationship, guided by their wisdom and experience. As amethyst is associated with clarity of mind and spiritual protection, it reminds the couple of the strength and stability of their love.

49 years: Cedar weddings
Cedar is an evergreen tree known for its durable, fragrant wood. In ancient Egypt and among the Celts, it was used to mummify their dead, while the Greeks and Romans used it to fashion statues of their gods. Cedar, the symbol of Lebanon, evokes nobility, resilience and power, a symbolism that augurs well for a matrimonial union!

50 years: Golden wedding anniversary
Gold is a symbol of wealth and value, representing fifty years of marriage, a true wealth of love and shared memories. Gold is a metal that fears neither fire nor ice, which is why it represents a relationship that has lasted 50 years without being tarnished by external threats.

51 years: Camellia wedding
The camellia symbolizes gratitude and admiration. After 51 years of marriage, the couple express their mutual gratitude for their unwavering love and commitment. As the camellia is often associated with beauty and grace, it reminds the couple of the value and elegance of their union.

Age 52: Tourmaline wedding
Tourmaline is a multi-colored semi-precious stone, often mined in regions such as Brazil, Sri Lanka and the USA. Tourmaline symbolizes harmony and protection.

53 years: Cherrywood wedding
Cherrywood symbolizes growth and stability. After 53 years of marriage, the couple has grown and matured together, strengthening their relationship over the years. As cherry wood is durable and resistant, it reminds the couple of the solidity and durability of their love.

54 years: sable wedding
The sable is a carnivorous mammal of the mustelid family (like otters, ferrets and ermines), known for its dense, soft, luxurious coat. It is native to the cold regions of Asia, notably Siberia, Mongolia and northern China. Sable fur is highly prized in the fashion industry for its quality and rarity, making it a symbol of wealth and elegance.

55 years: Orchid wedding
The rare and exotic orchid symbolizes the beauty and power of love. In many cultures, the orchid represents femininity in women and virility in men.

56 years: lapis lazuli wedding
Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone that has been prized for thousands of years for its beauty and virtues. Deep blue in color, often dotted with golden veins of pyrite, this stone is composed mainly of lazurite, but may also contain calcite and sodalite. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Sumerians and Greeks used it to create jewelry, amulets and objets d'art.

57 years: Azalea wedding
The azalea symbolizes passion and devotion. After 57 years of marriage, the couple continues to blossom in their mutual love, like the vibrant flowers of an azalea. As the azalea is often associated with romance and beauty, it reminds the couple of the strength and depth of their bond.

58 years: Maple Wedding
Maple symbolizes resilience and gentleness. Maple is soft and sweet, a reminder of the sweetness of your 58th wedding anniversary.

59 years: Mink wedding
Like sable, which represents 54 years of marriage, mink is a mustelid with soft, warm fur. As the mink is often considered a symbol of wealth and social status, it reminds the couple of the value and importance of their love.

60 years: Diamond wedding
Diamonds are the ultimate symbol of strength and durability, representing sixty years of indestructible marriage. Before the 19th century, diamond nuptials were celebrated for 75 years of marriage. The diamond is a precious stone that represents eternity and the strength of marriage.

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Wedding anniversaries from 61 to 80 years old

61 years: a plane tree wedding
The plane tree symbolizes longevity and resilience. After 61 years of marriage, the couple proved that their love can stand the test of time, just as the plane tree can live for centuries. The plane tree's characteristic bark, which continually regenerates, represents the couple's ability to renew and adapt together.

62 years: Ivory wedding
Ivory comes from the tusks of elephants and other animals such as walruses, and has been used since ancient times for sculpture and decorative objects. Ivory, with its natural beauty and durability, represents rarity and purity.

Age 63: Lilac weddings
Lilacs are flowers often used by florists, representing love and innocence. It's a flower that's often used to declare one's feelings.

64 years: Astrakhan wedding
Astrakhan, also known as astrakhan, is a fur from karakul lamb, a type of sheep raised mainly in Central Asia, notably Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan.

65 years: Rosewood wedding
Rosewood symbolizes durability and wealth. After 65 years of marriage, the couple has built a solid relationship rich in experience and memories.

66 years: Jasmine wedding
Jasmine is often associated with purity and beauty, reflecting the delicacy and grace of a lasting relationship. Jasmine is a resilient plant that can bloom in difficult conditions. This resilience symbolizes the strength and perseverance of a couple who have weathered the challenges of life together for 66 years.

67 years: Chinchilla wedding
The chinchilla is a small rodent from South America, known for its extremely soft and dense fur. Often considered one of the finest and softest, chinchilla fur reminds couples of the tenderness and care that characterize their love.

68 years: Granite weddings
Granite is a very hard rock created by the cooling of magma. Granite symbolizes solidity and permanence.

69 years: Larch weddings
Larch symbolizes resilience and longevity. As larch wood is weather-resistant and durable, it reminds the couple of the longevity and robustness of their love.

70 years: Platinum wedding
Platinum is a rare precious metal, prized for its corrosion resistance and beauty. Platinum is a rarer material than gold, and is often used in jewelry.

71 years: Ochre weddings
Ochre is a natural earth-colored pigment, often used for painting or dyeing. It represents the couple's warmth after 71 years of marriage.

72 years: Titanium wedding
Titanium is a light, strong metal discovered in 1791. It's an extremely light material that reminds the couple that their relationship is extremely solid, while adapting to challenges.

73 years: Cast iron wedding
Cast iron is an alloy of iron and carbon, known for its durability and ability to be molded into complex shapes. In 2020, Queen Elizabeth II and King Philip celebrated their cast-iron nuptials.

74 ans : Noces de sienne
Sienna is a natural pigment, named after the Italian city of Siena, and has been used in painting since ancient times. As Sienna is used to create works of art, it represents the beauty and depth of their love.

75 years: Alabaster wedding
Alabaster symbolizes purity and gentleness. After 75 years of marriage, the couple celebrate a pure and gentle union, marked by decades of love and mutual understanding.

Age 76: Zinc wedding
Zinc is a relatively abundant metal, mined mainly in China, Australia and Peru. Zinc is used to prevent the metal from rusting and spoiling.

77 years: Silica weddings
Silica is a mineral composed of silicon dioxide, present in large quantities in the earth's crust. Quartz is the most common form.

78 years: Ebony wedding
Ebony is a hard, dense wood known for its exceptional durability. It symbolizes the strength and resilience of a relationship that has stood the test of time for 78 years.

79 years: Bamboo weddings
Bamboo is known for its ability to bend without breaking, symbolizing the flexibility and adaptability of a couple who have overcome life's challenges together.

80 years: Oak weddings
Oak is a robust and durable tree, used for centuries in construction and furniture-making. Oak forests are found mainly in Europe, North America and Asia. Because oak wood is prized for its durability and sturdiness, it represents the indestructible, tenacious nature of love. Oak is also a symbol of wisdom and solidity, reflecting the depth and stability of the relationship over the decades.

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Wedding anniversaries are not simply temporal markers, but profound celebrations of the love, resilience and shared evolution between two people. Each year, with its unique symbols, reminds couples of the value of their union and encourages them to continue nurturing their relationship. Whether with a silver crown, a delicate poppy or an eternal diamond, every anniversary is a precious opportunity to celebrate the couple.

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Photo credits Marcus Aurelius