The fortieth Wedding
Anniversary is symbolised by ruby.
After the
twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, the fortieth wedding anniversary is
considered the second major anniversary.
Often referred
to as a Ruby Wedding the gemstone associated with it is a ruby and the
flower associated with this anniversary is a a
Nasturtium.
Rubies
are said to be rarer than diamonds - they symbolise health, wealth and
wisdom and, of course, passion. This
gemstone is one of the best known, it also comes with a wealth of claims
including making all obstacles in the path of happiness to melt away, it
repairs broken friendships and can help improve memory!
In
the fifteenth century the ruby was often chosen for an engagement ring,
considered as symbolising love at its zenith. Other grooms would join the
ruby with a diamond, the latter signifying consistency, the former
passion.
As a
commentary on the idea that life begins at 40, some couples celebrate
their fortieth wedding anniversary by starting a new hobby - such as
planting their first bush of red roses - or begin their wine cellar by
buying a dozen bottles of a good red wine.
A
way of making the fortieth wedding anniversary memorable is to have a
party with the date 1940 as a theme. Music, dancing, any food preferences
in this era, all should be part of the wedding anniversary celebration.