- Silver at 25, golden at 50
- Kept every year
- Sashtiapthapoorthi at 60 in South India
Where it began
The custom of honouring long marriages is old. One well known story tells that in parts of medieval Germany, a wife was given a silver wreath on the 25th anniversary and a golden wreath on the 50th.
Over time, more years were given their own gift or material. Paper, cotton, wood and others were linked to the early years, and lists of these spread in the 20th century.
In South India, a husband's 60th birthday is marked with Sashtiapthapoorthi, when the couple go through a wedding rite again, blessed by children and grandchildren.
How it grew over time
Medieval Germany
Silver and golden wreaths honour 25 and 50 years of marriage.
19th century
Silver and golden anniversary parties become common in Europe and America.
20th century
Lists of gifts for each year of marriage become popular.
Today
Couples mark the day with a meal, a trip, a renewed vow or a family gathering.
How it is celebrated in different places
Tamil Nadu and South India
Sashtiapthapoorthi at 60 and Sadabhishekam at 80 are grand family events.
North India
Couples visit a temple or gurdwara, and families hold a dinner for elders' milestone years.
Europe and North America
Silver and golden anniversaries bring parties, speeches and family photos.
Philippines
Many couples renew their vows in church on a milestone anniversary.
Anniversary moments
Anniversary today
Today couples keep the day in their own way. A handwritten card, an old wedding photo or a dinner together can mean more than any big gift.
