The 42nd wedding anniversary is known as the mother-of-pearl anniversary. Mother-of-pearl is the iridescent inner layer of a shell, built up layer by layer over the years, so this anniversary celebrates the beauty and light a couple have gathered in 42 years. 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: 40th anniversary wishes, 45th anniversary wishes, anniversary gifts for parents.
The mother-of-pearl anniversary echoes the pearl anniversary with new depth: each layer holds shared joys, worries and triumphs. Couples often spend the day recalling their brightest moments and sharing them with children and grandchildren.
Anniversary names vary between sources, as the tradition grew up orally and differently from country to country. The most common Ukrainian name for the 42nd anniversary is the mother-of-pearl anniversary.
Forty-two, and mother-of-pearl gleams
With the light of all your years —
May each morning bring sweet dreams
And far more laughter than tears.
Celebrate in soft pearl tones: a family dinner, a cake decorated with “pearls” and a family photoshoot. A lovely idea is a “memory box” of photos and letters from children and grandchildren.The previous anniversary is the 41st (earth), and the next is the 43rd (flannel).
Symbolic gifts are made of mother-of-pearl: jewellery, cufflinks, a box, a comb, a photo frame or a decorative shell. Pearls, lustre porcelain and soft-toned bouquets 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 42nd anniversary, give lavish roses or flowers in pearl, white and blush pink tones. A morning bouquet is the simplest way to say you still care.
See roses and flowers for women.
The mother-of-pearl anniversary.
Mother-of-pearl jewellery or a box, pearls, a photo frame — and soft roses.
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
