The 48th wedding anniversary is known as the amethyst anniversary. Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz long seen as a stone of wisdom, calm and clear thinking. After 48 years, a couple have exactly these qualities: they keep their balance and support each other. Here is what this anniversary means, how to celebrate it, what to give the couple and how to word your wishes, from short messages to a poem.
More on this topic: 45th anniversary wishes, 50th anniversary wishes, anniversary gifts for parents.
According to an ancient Greek legend, amethyst protected against drunkenness and dark thoughts, so it was worn as a charm. The amethyst anniversary is the penultimate one before the golden jubilee, so couples are often already planning how to celebrate half a century together.
Anniversary names vary between sources, as the tradition grew up orally and differently from country to country. The most common Ukrainian name for the 48th anniversary is the amethyst anniversary.
Forty-eight, an amethyst bright,
A stone of wisdom and of peace —
May your days be full of light
And your love never cease.
Celebrate in purple and lilac: a family dinner, a cake with violet decoration and lilac, iris or lavender bouquets depending on the season. Plan your golden anniversary together.The previous anniversary is the 47th (cashmere), and the next is the 49th (cedar).
The most symbolic gift is amethyst jewellery: a ring, pendant, earrings, cufflinks or bracelet. Amethyst geodes for the home, keepsake boxes, purple glassware and purple flowers also suit.
Flowers suit any anniversary: a husband gives his wife a bouquet in the morning, and guests bring flowers along with their gift. For ideas for parents, see anniversary gifts for parents.
For the 48th anniversary, give lavish roses or flowers in purple, lilac and lavender tones. A morning bouquet is the simplest way to say you still care.
See roses and flowers for women.
The amethyst anniversary.
Amethyst jewellery, a geode for the home, purple glass — and lilac-toned flowers.
Wish the couple what the anniversary stands for, recall their journey together and add a bouquet — see the ideas above.
Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
© Kyiv 2026 UFL Flower Shop
Trademark UFL №191476 is used under license of the rights holder.
All rights reserved. Any use of materials without a link to the site is prohibited.
Birthday
Hydrangeas
