Wedding anniversaries by year and name
Growing up with my grandparents, wedding anniversaries were a big thing. There was a name for each of the years and I was always fascinated to see if my grandfather would buy my grandmother a gift commensurate with the name of the anniversary.
They didn't bother too much about the smaller references. It was when the ones with precious stones like Ruby or Sapphire came round that all the aunties and uncles perked up to inspect the color of the ring in the box. Never one to disappoint, my grandmother collected a roster of fabulous colored stones as gifts from my grandfather.
The 50th was the Golden and it was at this party, dressed in gold lame, that I announced my first engagement to a childhood sweetheart. My grandmother took the ring off her finger and put it on mine in celebration of the occasion. I started to do cartwheels around the garden forgetting I had no underwear on. I was duly removed from that activity.
ON the 60th anniversary, there was much speculation on the size of the diamond that would be sourced. Oh and the color. Finally the suspense was over when my grandfather presented his gift on the night of their big celebratory bash. I announced my second engagement and the succession of the ring was duly promised to me. No cartwheels ensued.
On the 70th anniversary, a huge party was organized at the house and once more odds were favorable for 1) a stunning new platinum ring 2) me making an announcement of some sort. The box was opened and inside was a beautiful new shiny ring but this time I didn't hog the limelight with an engagement. Instead I recited a poem I had made in honor of this momentous occasion. I spoke about the incredible love and dedication that my grandparents had for one another and their large extended families. I paid tribute to the power of stability, cousins, a family home, nurture, grace, kindness, philanthropy and a million more attributes I was privileged to witness in my grandparents home. I didn't know about vow renewals back then, but in my own way, I imbued the day with a reset of commitment and acknowledgment of love. My career was forming even then.
