The holding of celebrations on the anniversaries of different epochs of Married Life has become a very pleasant feature of modern times from our research it appears these were popularised initially in the Victorian era. These celebrations, then, appear to be larger and more lavish than nowadays.

The earlier celebrations for wedding anniversaries bring out lots of happy jollity and kindheartedness. While those pertaining to longer marriages, when the crumbling milestones remind all of the years that have passed on the travel to the “Sweet By and By” are often made the occasion of a deal of sobered pleasure and deep thankfulness, as reminiscences of many merciful “Providences” offset the inevitable mischances that have beset even the happiest journey through life.

A Poem we found to mark the Silver-Wedding Celebration (Twenty-Fifth Anniversary.) from an American book published in 1878

Five times five years have winged their flight.
And waved their plumes in calm and strife,
Since this good couple first set out
To tread the path of wedded life.

And we who’ve watched them on the way.
Have seen them keep the narrow path;
All unallured by Pleasure’s charms
They’ve upward toiled over every wrath.

Ring joyous chimes on silver bells!
Let echo spread the mellow sound,
Till distant friends may well pleased list
As joy-tones gladden all around.

Fill to the brim a silver cup
With uninebriating wine,—
And to our host and hostess quaff
The crimson life-blood of the vine.

May we, by their example blessed,
Follow the path which they have trod,—
Winning approval (conscience tried)
From mortals and from mortals’ God.
H.L.W. 1878.

The book did not specify who H.L.W was so if anyone can shed some light on whom the poet is please drop us a line.

If you would like some up to date gift ideas for 25th wedding anniversary then please go to our main Silver Wedding page, some examples are shown below: