The 38th wedding anniversary is known as the mercury anniversary. Mercury is a liquid metal that changes shape easily yet always gathers back into one drop. In the same way, after 38 years a couple know how to adapt to each other while staying united. 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: 35th anniversary wishes, 40th anniversary wishes, anniversary gifts for parents.
The mercury anniversary stands for the wisdom of compromise: partners no longer argue over trifles, support each other easily and adapt together to retirement, grandchildren or a move. Note that no real mercury items are given — it is toxic — so shiny silver things and mirrors become the symbol.
Anniversary names vary between sources, as the tradition grew up orally and differently from country to country. The most common Ukrainian name for the 38th anniversary is the mercury anniversary.
Thirty-eight, like mercury bright,
Flowing, bending, yet whole and true —
May your love stay warm and light
In everything life brings to you.
Celebrate in silver and white: a festive dinner with candles in silver candlesticks, mirrored decor and photos by a river or lake, whose water, like mercury, flows and reflects the light.The previous anniversary is the 37th (muslin), and the next is the 39th (crepe).
Symbolic gifts are shiny and silvery: a mirror in a beautiful frame, silver tableware or cutlery, silver jewellery, a barometer or a metal wall clock, or crystal.
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 38th anniversary, give lavish roses or flowers in silver, white and pale blue tones. A morning bouquet is the simplest way to say you still care.
See roses and flowers for women.
The mercury anniversary.
A framed mirror, silver jewellery or cutlery, crystal — and white roses. Never give items containing mercury.
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.
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