The Ruby Wedding: A Symbol Of Enduring Love And Passion

A ruby wedding is the celebration of a couple's 40th wedding anniversary. The ruby gemstone, which is associated with this anniversary, symbolises passion, devotion, love, protection and prosperity. The tradition of linking gemstones with wedding anniversaries dates back to ancient times, with the first recorded mention of the ruby anniversary being in 1922.

Ruby wedding definition

A ruby wedding is a milestone that celebrates 40 years of marriage between a couple. It is also known as the ruby anniversary. The ruby gemstone is associated with the 40th anniversary, symbolising passion, devotion, love, protection, prosperity, energy and vitality.

The tradition of associating specific gemstones with wedding anniversaries dates back to ancient times. The origins of the ruby anniversary are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been established in the early 20th century. The first recorded mention of the ruby anniversary dates back to 1922, when it was included in a list of traditional wedding gifts published in the Chicago Tribune.

Since then, the tradition has become widely recognised and celebrated, with ruby-themed gifts and celebrations becoming a popular way to mark this milestone in a couple's relationship. Couples may choose to celebrate with a romantic getaway, a lavish party, or a simple dinner at home. In some cultures, it is customary to renew vows or hold a special ceremony.

Ruby is a precious gemstone that has been prized for its beauty and rarity for centuries. The deep red colour of the ruby symbolises the passionate love that a couple shares, while the stone's strength and durability represent the resilience of their commitment to each other.

History of the ruby wedding tradition

The tradition of celebrating a ruby wedding anniversary has its roots in ancient times, with the ruby gemstone being associated with passion, devotion, and eternal love. The ruby anniversary specifically marks 40 years of marriage, a significant milestone for any couple, and is a widely recognized and celebrated occasion.

The origins of the ruby anniversary tradition are believed to date back to the early 20th century, with the first recorded mention in 1922, when it was listed as a traditional wedding gift in the Chicago Tribune. Over the years, the tradition has evolved, and today, couples often exchange ruby-themed gifts or opt for ruby-inspired celebrations.

The ruby gemstone is believed to enhance romance and is associated with the inner fire of passion in a couple's hearts, which has endured for four decades. The deep red color of the ruby symbolizes the enduring and passionate love shared between partners. The stone's strength and durability also represent the resilience of their commitment to each other.

Ancient traditions and customs surrounding the ruby anniversary include spouses exchanging their original wedding rings for new ones with ruby inlays. The old rings are then kept in a casket to be passed down to their grandchildren, symbolizing the accumulation of love, experience, and mutual understanding over the years. Another tradition involves the couple eating a pomegranate together, where each seed eaten is accompanied by a compliment or praise for their partner.

The ruby anniversary is a testament to the enduring nature of a couple's relationship and serves as an inspiration to younger couples, showing that lasting love is possible with dedication and effort.

Ruby wedding celebration ideas

The ruby wedding anniversary, also known as the 40th anniversary, is a significant milestone for couples celebrating four decades of love and commitment. The ruby is traditionally associated with this occasion due to its deep red hue, which symbolises love, passion, and raw emotion. Here are some ideas to help you plan a memorable ruby wedding celebration:

Ruby-themed Party

Throw a party with a ruby theme! Decorate the venue with shades of red, from velvet red to ruby, and incorporate beautiful flower arrangements in different shades of red, such as gladioli and nasturtiums, the traditional flowers for the 40th anniversary. You can also include ruby-themed table settings and encourage guests to wear red or ruby-coloured attire.

Gifts and Favours

Exchanging ruby jewellery is a popular choice for the 40th anniversary. Consider investing in matching eternity rings encrusted with rubies as a symbol of your enduring love. If you're looking for a more affordable option, you can create a romantic playlist with songs from the year you exchanged vows or put together a photo album with pictures from across the years in a ruby-themed album.

Dining and Drinks

For a private dinner or a larger celebration, incorporate ruby-themed dining decorations and cakes. You can also serve dishes made with ruby-coloured ingredients such as tomatoes, beets, and red wine. Raise a glass with personalised ruby anniversary champagne flutes or enjoy a glass of personalised prosecco, customised with the couple's names and a special message.

Vow Renewal

Renew your vows in a ceremony surrounded by family and friends, with ruby accents incorporated into the décor and wedding attire. You can even plan a romantic getaway to a destination known for its ruby-coloured sunsets or red landscapes to exchange your vows.

Outdoor Activities

Plant a ruby-red flower garden together as a symbol of your enduring love. You can also arrange a surprise date night at a romantic restaurant or create a custom playlist of meaningful songs for an evening of dancing under the stars.

Keepsakes and Mementos

Commemorate this special occasion with personalised keepsakes such as a ruby anniversary glass vase, an engraved photo frame, or a heart-shaped ruby anniversary card. These mementos will serve as a lasting reminder of your four decades of marriage.

Ruby wedding gifts

A ruby wedding celebrates 40 years of marriage. The ruby is a symbol of love, adoration, devotion and passion, making it a fitting tribute to such a significant milestone.

Ruby-themed Gifts

The traditional gift for a ruby wedding is, of course, a ruby. But if you want to think outside the box, there are plenty of ways to interpret the ruby theme.

Ruby Jewellery

A ruby ring, necklace or bracelet is a timeless reminder of the love that has grown and flourished over 40 years. For a more subtle option, consider ruby cufflinks or a ruby-studded watch.

Ruby-themed Experiences

Mark the occasion with a romantic meal for two, a hot air balloon ride, or a helicopter experience. Adventure activities such as water rafting, go-karting, or a race car driving experience are also great options for thrill-seekers.

Homeware and Artwork

A personalised print or canvas is a sentimental way to celebrate a ruby wedding. You could also opt for home gifts, wall art or glass vases that depict 40 years of love.

Ruby-themed Treats

Non-Ruby Gifts

If rubies aren't their thing, there are plenty of other gift options to commemorate this milestone.

Personalised Gifts

Personalised glasses, mugs, cushions, or a photo album are all thoughtful gifts that can be customised with the couple's names, a special message, or photos of their memories together.

Green-fingered Gifts

A vibrant ruby red rose is a gorgeous gift for green-fingered spouses. You could also gift them a "Grow Your Own Ruby Wedding Anniversary Garden" kit, which includes seeds for beautiful ruby red cosmos flowers.

Food and Drink

Afternoon tea, a romantic dinner for two, or a vineyard tour and tasting experience are all great ways to celebrate this special occasion.

Symbolic meaning of rubies

The ruby is a lustrous, deep red stone that has accrued a special and symbolic meaning through time. The gemstone is known to represent nobility, purity, and passion. It is also considered a protective stone that can bring happiness and passion into the life of the wearer. The ruby's vibrant red colour, similar to blood, is associated with vitality and vigour. It is also believed to symbolise love, power, courage, and strength.

Rubies are considered a "stone of kings" and are associated with power, wealth, and protection. Possessing a ruby purportedly benefited and protected the owner's estates and assisted in the accumulation of wealth. The gemstone was believed to help its owner acquire more gems and protect their rank and land. The blood-like colour of rubies encouraged strong associations with life-sustaining fluids, such as blood.

In ancient times, those who risked their lives, such as soldiers, were believed to have a special connection to the gem. The ancient Burmese prized the ruby as the stone of soldiers, believing it bestowed invulnerability. Similarly, in Hindu mythology, the ruby is associated with success, wealth, prosperity, and love. In China, rubies are considered a symbol of good luck and are believed to stimulate the innate life force.

Rubies are also believed to have healing properties. In crystal healing, the ruby is used to alleviate body pain and help with blood and circulatory problems, low energy, heart problems, and detoxification. It is said to promote overall wellness and inspire better health. Additionally, rubies are believed to decrease anxiety and self-doubt, improve motivation, and encourage self-care in the wearer.

The ruby is a versatile gemstone that holds symbolic meaning for many cultures. Its vibrant colour and associations with power, wealth, protection, and love have made it a highly prized and sought-after gemstone throughout history.

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