Wedding anniversaries are special occasions that commemorate the milestones of a couple’s journey together. Each anniversary is associated with a particular symbol that reflects the meaning and significance of that milestone. The 40th anniversary, also known as the ruby anniversary, is a significant milestone that celebrates 40 years of love, commitment, and togetherness. In this blog post, we will explore the symbolic meaning of the ruby and why it is an appropriate symbol for the 40th anniversary.
The Meaning of the Ruby
Rubies are one of the most precious and valuable gemstones in the world. They are known for their deep, rich red color that symbolizes passion, love, and strong emotions. Rubies have been revered throughout history for their beauty and spiritual significance. In ancient times, rubies were believed to have properties that could protect the wearer from harm and bring good fortune.
The deep red color of rubies has symbolized love and passion for centuries. In fact, the ruby was often associated with the goddess of love in ancient cultures such as Greece and Rome. Rubies were believed to hold the power of love and could help attract love and companionship to those who wore them.
The History of the Ruby Anniversary
The tradition of associating symbols with particular wedding anniversaries dates back to the Middle Ages. It was during this time that silver and gold were given as gifts to celebrate the 25th and 50th anniversaries respectively. Over time, other anniversaries were associated with various symbols, such as paper for the first anniversary, cotton for the second, and so on.
The ruby was first associated with the 40th wedding anniversary during the Victorian era. During this time, Queen Victoria celebrated her 40th wedding anniversary with Prince Albert by giving him a ruby and diamond brooch. This gesture sparked a trend and the ruby became the traditional gift for the 40th anniversary.
Why is the Ruby a Fitting Symbol for the 40th Anniversary?
The ruby is a fitting symbol for the 40th anniversary for several reasons. Firstly, the deep red color of rubies symbolizes the passion, love, and strong emotions that are often associated with a long-lasting, committed relationship. After 40 years of marriage, a couple has likely weathered many challenges and has grown even closer through shared experiences and mutual support. The ruby represents the enduring love that has sustained the couple through the years.
Secondly, the spiritual significance of rubies makes them a fitting symbol for the 40th anniversary. Rubies were believed to have protective powers that could shield the wearer from harm and bring good fortune. After 40 years of marriage, a couple has likely faced many challenges and overcome many obstacles. The ruby represents the strength and resilience that has enabled the couple to navigate difficult times together.
Finally, the rarity and value of rubies makes them a fitting symbol for the 40th anniversary. Rubies are one of the most precious and valuable gemstones in the world, reflecting the rare and precious nature of a long-lasting, committed relationship. After 40 years of marriage, a couple has built a relationship that is both precious and valuable, and worthy of celebration and recognition.
Celebrating the Ruby Anniversary
There are many ways to celebrate the ruby anniversary. One of the most popular ways is to exchange gifts of ruby jewelry. The ruby symbolizes the passion and love that has sustained the couple through the years, and a piece of ruby jewelry is a beautiful and meaningful way to honor that love.
Another way to celebrate the ruby anniversary is to take a trip together to a place that holds special meaning for the couple. This could be a place they have always dreamed of visiting, or a place that holds happy memories from their past together.
Finally, a couple can celebrate their ruby anniversary by renewing their vows. This is a beautiful way to reaffirm their commitment to each other and to celebrate the love that has sustained them through the years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ruby anniversary is a significant milestone that celebrates 40 years of love, commitment, and togetherness. The symbolic meaning of the ruby reflects the passion, love, and strong emotions that are often associated with a long-lasting, committed relationship. The ruby represents the enduring love, strength, resilience, and rarity that have sustained the couple through the years. Whether through gift-giving, travel, or vow renewal, there are many beautiful ways to celebrate the ruby anniversary and honor the love that has brought a couple through 40 years of marriage.
FAQ
What is the traditional gift for 40th anniversary?
Celebrating a 40th wedding anniversary is a very special occasion that deserves a memorable and meaningful gift. Ruby is the traditional and modern 40th anniversary gift, so a traditional 40th wedding anniversary gift for your parents can correspond to this theme. Ruby represents love, passion, and everlasting commitment – qualities that are symbolically represented by the deep red color.
There are a myriad of ways to incorporate the ruby theme into a gift. Jewelry is a classic choice, and a ruby-studded necklace, bracelet or ring is sure to be cherished by your loved one. You can also consider a customized piece of artwork featuring ruby accents, a personalized photo album with ruby embellishments, or a stunning ruby bud vase or decanter for a beautiful home decor piece.
If you want to go above and beyond, consider planning a special getaway for your loved ones that incorporates ruby into the destination or itinerary. You can choose a destination known for its ruby mines, such as Myanmar or Thailand, or a city known for its ruby-red buildings or structures, such as Prague or Moscow. You can also plan for a romantic dinner at a restaurant with ruby décor elements, or a wine tasting featuring ruby red wines.
The traditional gift for a 40th wedding anniversary is ruby, but the possibilities for incorporating this theme into a gift are endless. Whatever gift you choose, make sure it represents your love, appreciation, and gratitude for your significant other’s enduring love and commitment over the past forty years.
What is the flower for 40 years of marriage?
The flower traditionally associated with the 40th wedding anniversary is the Gladiolus. This beautiful flower comes in a variety of colors such as red, pink, white, yellow, and purple. The Gladiolus is a great choice for a 40th-anniversary gift because it symbolizes strength, faithfulness, and integrity, key factors in a long-lasting and successful marriage.
The history of the Gladiolus as a symbol of the 40th anniversary is not entirely clear. However, some believe that the flower’s sword-like shape represents the strength and resilience needed to reach the 40-year milestone. Additionally, the Gladiolus is a resilient flower that can withstand harsh weather conditions, much like the strength and resilience required of a long-lasting marriage.
In Victorian times, flowers were often used to convey messages and emotions. The Gladiolus would have been a popular flower to give as a gift in this era, especially to express the admiration and love that we associate with long-term partnerships. Nowadays, the Gladiolus remains a beloved flower for anniversaries, both for its symbolic meaning and for its elegant appearance.
If you’re looking for a meaningful and personalized way to celebrate your 40th wedding anniversary, the Gladiolus is an excellent choice. You can use this flower to create a romantic bouquet, decorate your home, or even plant it in your garden together as a symbol of your love and commitment. With its rich history and symbolic significance, the Gladiolus is a perfect way to mark 40 years of marriage.
Is there a rose called ruby wedding?
Yes, there is a rose called Ruby Wedding. It is a hybrid tea rose that produces medium-sized flowers in beautiful ruby red color, and it has a slight fragrance. Ruby Wedding is an ideal choice for those who have smaller gardens or who want to plant it in the front of their border. This rose is known for its impressive coloration and its classic rose shape, which makes it an excellent addition to any rose garden. Its deep ruby red color and beauty make it perfect for celebrating love and anniversaries, and it is a popular choice for gardeners who want to add a touch of elegance and romance to their gardens. if you are looking for a stunning ruby red rose with a slightly fragrant smell and a classic rose shape that is ideal for smaller gardens, Ruby Wedding is an excellent choice.
