Did you know that the word "anniversary" comes from the Latin term "anniversarius," meaning "returning yearly"? In the context of marriage, an anniversary marks the annual celebration of the day a couple tied the knot. It’s a special moment to reflect on the years spent together, honoring the commitment and love shared over time.

Across cultures, anniversaries are celebrated in unique ways. In Western traditions, specific milestones like the 25th (silver) or 50th (golden) anniversary often come with grand parties or symbolic gifts—think silver jewelry or golden keepsakes. In contrast, some cultures focus on smaller, intimate rituals, like renewing vows or sharing a meal, to commemorate every year. The idea is to cherish the journey, no matter how it’s marked.

Here’s a surprising tidbit: the tradition of associating materials with specific anniversaries started in medieval Europe, where husbands gifted wives crowns of silver or gold at significant milestones. Over centuries, this evolved into a broader list including paper for the first year and diamond for the 60th. These symbols add depth to the celebration, reminding couples of their enduring bond as they look back on shared memories and forward to future joys.