The first Wedding Anniversary is symbolised by paper. At this stage marriage
is seen as in a state of a relationship still growing, partners still getting to
know each other.
The paper is seen as something delicate, needing to be handled carefully.
Paper itself has many connotation.
The Marriage Certificate which the couple receive on their wedding day is
printed on paper.
The papyrus plant, from which the ancient Egyptians
created paper, symbolized life and growth because it grew so prolifically
on the riverbanks.
One of the rituals in the Japanese wedding ceremony is
the sipping of rice wine from a bottle decorated with paper butterflies
symbolising the male and the female partners at the beginning of their
journey as a united couple.
There is an element of joyfulness and playfulness in
the first wedding anniversary. Everything is fresh and new, and each day
brings new discoveries about love and life.
The gifts offered to the couple on their first wedding
anniversary reflects the carefree nature of the relationship. There are
tickets for the opera or concert for the couple's enjoyment. A book of
specific interest to the couple symblising the acquisition of wisdom as
their union ripens. A floral bouquet for its esthetic beauty.
Flower associated with the first wedding anniversary is
a pansy, and the gemstone peridot or pearl.
Freshwater
pearls are seldom perfectly round or even nearly round. In rare
circumstances perfectly round freshwater pearls are produced, and even
more rare are the true gems that have been designated as freshadama by the
gem trade. Available in a number of colour, the pastel colour are the most
sought after.
Anniversary Gifts for the first wedding anniversary
could be paper
artwork, love letters and poetry, favourite book, memory
book, cards, tickets for favourite events, stationary with married name,
business stationary, personalized writing instruments, floor plans (if
building a house soon), lampshades, life insurance, genealogy,
subscription to newspapers or magazines.
Whether on their own, or celebrating their wedding
anniversary with friends or relatives, a casual picnic or barbeque is
appropriate. Food can be served on paper plates, with the venue decorated
with paper lanterns.
Part of the celebration for the couple only, could be
viewing a recording of their wedding ceremony and renewing their vows in
the privacy of their own home. They might also make a game of creating a
ritual for each of their wedding anniversaries by adding something new
like a new song or poem which has either the word anniversary or paper in
the title. This could be the Anniversary Waltz, or It's only a Paper
Moon.