When the time spent as husband and wife crosses the forty-second year of marriage, the realization comes that most of life was sacrificed on the altar of family happiness. At first it was difficult and unusual; we had to put up with the shortcomings of our other half, find compromises, and smooth out the sharp edges of family quarrels. After much grinding, the spouses began to integrate with each other, becoming parts of one whole. The transformation was sometimes painful, and sometimes brought sincere joy and pleasure.
Having gone through all these upheavals, the couple finally began to distinguish true love from blind passion, acquired impeccable mutual understanding and found a middle ground that helped them maintain their relationship for so many years. And now, on the threshold of their 42nd wedding anniversary, they have a great opportunity to stop and thank each other for all the good, and not so good, that happened in their lives, and celebrate this holiday.
Traditions for celebrating the 42nd wedding anniversary
A mother-of-pearl wedding is an anniversary that has its own preserved traditions. According to one tradition, the event should be attended by guests or some of them who were witnesses at the wedding 42 years ago. The couple exchange gifts in the morning - symbols of the wedding. It can be anything: buttons, jewelry or a solid piece of furniture.
Another interesting tradition requires swimming in a natural pond before sunrise. A married couple should swim together. The Rising Sun, in this tradition, represents a new beginning. And water heals and washes away all illnesses, both physical and mental. Modern options involve taking a shower together in the early morning. The tradition can also be modified for those couples who got married in the winter season or for those who do not have natural bodies of water nearby. By the way, another restriction on the observance of this ritual may be the testimony of doctors. The water is colder in the morning, so the presence of certain diseases can become a serious obstacle to swimming in this format, even in order to comply with traditions.
What wedding
42 years of marriage is called a mother-of-pearl wedding. Mother-of-pearl is the inner layer of mollusk shells, the composition of which is the same as pearls. Translated from German, Perlmutter means “mother of pearls.” With its help, grains of sand that fall into mollusk shells turn into precious pearls. It takes many years for a pearl to grow. Therefore, mother of pearl is the most suitable symbol for the 42nd anniversary.
In Ancient Rome, mother of pearl was considered a symbol of power and wisdom, bringing good luck. He was credited with healing properties and was believed to be able to cure any disease. Likewise, on their wedding day, spouses are wished good health, radiant smiles and eternal youth in their souls, like a layer of mother-of-pearl on a pearl shell.
Among the people, mother of pearl was considered a magical material that strengthens family ties. If one of the spouses went on a long journey, he should take with him something mother-of-pearl (a button, a clasp, a pin). It was believed that this would help him quickly return to his home, where he was loved and expected. So mother of pearl became the unspoken patron of family happiness.
Scenario for celebrating the 42nd wedding anniversary
It’s worth saying right away that not all modern couples pay enough attention to the intermediate dates between anniversaries. Despite the fact that the 42nd wedding anniversary is not a big date, it is still worth celebrating, even if not so magnificently. It is advisable to invite to the celebration those relatives and friends who were at the wedding on an important day 42 years ago. Such a reunion often helps the couple renew their vows and feelings, as well as become an inspiring example for the younger generation.
Even though mother of pearl is less valued than pearls, many people love the stone for its beauty and durability. Likewise, a couple who has passed such a big milestone in their relationship can celebrate a personal unofficial anniversary in the family circle.
Toys and other decor in pastel colors are welcome in the interior design. To maintain the theme of the holiday, it is recommended to keep part of the room in a restrained color with a mother-of-pearl tint. An ideal addition would be iridescent dishes, napkins or balls decorated with pearls, which shimmer in the sun and may seem like a big mother-of-pearl. Pastel shades are the most preferred; there are no general recommendations for choosing wedding colors.
The organizational part of the event is usually the children. The only condition is the need to discuss the list of invitees. Because the event should be fun, and the relationships with some of the people on the list may be different for those responsible for the event than they were 42 years ago.
Symbolism of the holiday
Mother of pearl - the mother of pearls means this word in literal translation. Mother of pearl beads form deep at the bottom of the sea, they are found inside shells. It is there that it acquires that amazing shade that is called mother-of-pearl. Jewelry made from it is unusually beautiful, luxurious, and expensive.
The relationship between two people, who tied the knot 42 years ago, has also become strong and beautiful like mother-of-pearl. Mother-of-pearl pearls form over a fairly long period of time. For a long time, the relationship between the spouses also formed until they reached their ideal. So, it’s time to celebrate 42 years of marriage - a mother-of-pearl wedding.
What can you give your spouse?
An ancient tradition recommends that the wife sew her own shirt for her husband, sewing on mother-of-pearl buttons. Later it served as a powerful personal amulet for a man. In a modern version, you can buy a shirt in a store and sew on mother-of-pearl buttons. When choosing a gift, it is important to focus not only on symbolism, but also on the couple’s feelings for each other. You can choose one of the following gift options for your spouse:
- a business spouse will love an exclusive pen designed in mother-of-pearl style. You can even give a personalized copy;
- A watch with mother-of-pearl trim will also fit perfectly into the image of a business man;
- A universal and symbolic gift will be mother-of-pearl cufflinks, which will originally complement the gray hair of an already respectable gentleman. Men who prefer a business image, as a rule, have subtle taste and an exquisite sense of beauty.
After so many years of living together, the wife has probably already studied the tastes and interests of her husband. Therefore, choosing a worthy gift for her will not be difficult. In addition to purchased options, a handmade gift can be symbolic and heartwarming. For example, the ideal option would be to design your own gift wrapping.
DIY gifts
Recently, the concept of hand-made has come into fashion. This term refers to all the things that a person does with his own hands. An example of a gift for the 42nd wedding date could be:
- box made of natural wood;
- mother-of-pearl business card holder;
- family tree decorated in mother-of-pearl style.
You can also give a family collage consisting of bright and memorable moments. The frame can be inlaid with mother of pearl. This option will be a reason to dive into the past and remember all the significant moments of the relationship.
What is the anniversary called?
Walking side by side for 42 years is no joke. Having gone through chintz, paper, and wooden wedding anniversaries and gradually getting closer to mother-of-pearl is considered a huge achievement for the family. Only wise and truly loving people know the main secret of longevity together.
Mother of pearl itself is the parent of pearls. The strong composition of the substance covering the inner layer of shells is equivalent to the strong bonds of the years lived. Pearls are allegorically compared to the unit of society, and the mother-of-pearl walls of the shell are a fortification that protects the family.
Gifts for wife
In ancient times, there was a very interesting custom in Rus'. The husband had to present his wife with a necklace early in the morning, which consisted of 42 mother-of-pearl beads. It is interesting that the husband prepared the gift in advance, every year on a memorable day, secretly from his wife, putting mother-of-pearl on a thread. In the modern world, it is possible to purchase custom-made symbolic jewelry, since due to the pace of life, not every man is ready to follow tradition to the smallest detail. The main nuance lies in the atmosphere of care and sincere feelings that will reign in the couple at the moment of handing over the gift to its owner.
An appropriate and romantic addition would be a bouquet of flowers in a delicate shade, best suited to the main gift.
Women usually like to think outside the box. Therefore, you can break away from tradition and prepare an original gift for your wife. For example, a box may well become part of the bedroom interior and a practical gift.
An original and symbolic option would be a paired set for tea drinking. It is advisable to choose a set that is inlaid with real mother of pearl. It will be useful in everyday life and will help create an unforgettable atmosphere for family tea in the evenings.
Ideal as a non-standard gift are figurines to suit the spouse’s hobby, made like mother-of-pearl or visually reminiscent of the symbol of the 42nd summer wedding.
SMS - congratulations
So mother-of-pearl congratulations are flying to you, Reminding you of happy years, Pleasant moments... You experienced everything in each other’s arms And you probably learned that love is the greatest miracle in the world! We wish you boundless happiness, health, long life and warmth! And may your path in life always be bright! *** We are not telling you to be happy: you can do this without us. We are not telling you - be healthy: Today confirms this best of all. We tell you simply: Happy 42nd wedding anniversary! *** Looking at your happy faces, There is no doubt about your love, Like mother-of-pearl plays with a rainbow, The lights of happiness shine in your eyes, After all, true love does not die, It only gains momentum over the years, May your feelings be with you forever, Health, happiness and good luck in all your plans. *** Why do you need to get married? Well, everyone would live together as one big family, like bees in a swarm.
No, give people a spouse! And you found each other! Forty-two years together Baking in one dough!
The best gifts you need:
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Gifts from guests for wedding anniversary
The choice of gifts from guests is unlimited. These can be both memorable symbolic gifts and those that are useful in everyday life. If guests are in doubt about the choice or someone has no imagination, you can choose one of the following options:
- candlesticks or glasses decorated with real mother of pearl;
- flowerpot or vase for gardeners;
- A mother-of-pearl sink will become the highlight of the bathroom. Such a gift should be previously agreed upon with the heroes of the holiday;
- various household appliances. It is also best to discuss such a gift with partners in advance to avoid awkward moments;
- iridescent bed linen;
- photo album with memorable photos and blank sheets for new moments. It is desirable that the gift cover be either inlaid with mother-of-pearl or shimmer in the light.
A gift from children and grandchildren will be special for the heroes of the holiday. A memorable gift will be a video or photo presentation of important family moments. A full-length portrait of a couple, made in oil painting or in an unusual technique, will be original. A handmade postcard will be a wonderful gift from your grandchildren.
Celebration traditions
From time immemorial, the forefathers passed on wise advice and instructions on observing the traditions of celebrating mother-of-pearl weddings. Of the invited guests at the event, only relatives and closest people who were present at the wedding ceremony are recommended.
And also on the eve of the celebration, the spouses need to prepare small mother-of-pearl souvenirs for each other. They will be the main symbols of the celebration. These can be both decorations and interior items. From the advice of ancestors, it follows that spouses should give each other small buttons made of pure mother-of-pearl and carry them with them. These buttons symbolize a certain relationship and longevity of life together. Of course, if suddenly there are no buttons in the souvenir shop, then small pearls will perfectly replace them.
And the belief of our ancestors says that on the eve of a flannel wedding, namely the 43rd anniversary, mother-of-pearl buttons or pearls must be placed in a container of water. After 24 hours, the water will have healing properties. You can not only drink this water, but also wash your face with it. From a medical point of view, mother of pearl contains unique mineral compounds that can cure a huge number of diseases. There are many recipes for using this natural substance.
Another equally important tradition is swimming in an open reservoir on the eve of the celebration. This ritual is performed by the spouses during sunrise and promises the spouses health and good spirits. The whole secret is that the sunrise symbolizes the beginning of a new day, and the natural reservoir tempers the body and cleanses it.
To believe in beliefs or not to believe, to follow traditions or not to follow them is everyone’s business. But it’s not in vain that our ancestors passed on their experience accumulated over centuries from generation to generation.
Formal decor
It is recommended to celebrate this joyful event at home, since mother-of-pearl is a symbol of home and family comfort. However, this does not mean at all that the room where the celebration will take place does not need decoration.
Firstly, there should be a lot of fresh flowers in the room. It is not necessary to create complex compositions; you can decorate the walls, chair rims, and tables with miniature flowers or rose petals.
The creation of collages and various wall newspapers is encouraged, where the main emphasis is on the heroes of the day. A selection of happy moments in life will pleasantly surprise the celebrating spouses.
In this case, the table itself should be decorated with a tablecloth of the appropriate color. Napkins should be made in the form of figures, which are usually decorated with pearls.
What do “newlyweds” give each other?
As described above, spouses exchange buttons or pearls. But this is a traditional ritual. In addition to traditional gifts, there are also symbolic ones that show care and attention to the other half.
– To the spouse
A woman’s happiness depends not only on herself, but also on her chosen one. Having lived together for 42 years, the spouses already understand each other not at a glance, but at a glance. And they both know how to please and surprise each other.
Men are not very enthusiastic about shopping, and even more so when it comes to choosing a gift. But over the years comes experience and the realization that signs of attention are important to loved ones. On the mother-of-pearl wedding anniversary, a man can choose an unusual and beautiful gift for his wife.
Let's consider what it could be.
- Interior items. Vases and figurines with a mother-of-pearl tint that will look harmonious in the bedroom or living room. Candlesticks with stucco elements or a beautiful chandelier that will simultaneously illuminate and decorate the room. As well as a modular painting or a painting from a joint photograph, framed with a mother-of-pearl frame.
- Places to store women's small items and jewelry. A box decorated with sea shells or a dressing table with a mirror for the wife's morning embellishments.
- Jewelry made of pearls and mother-of-pearl with a symbolizing number of beads or elements.
- A photo album or stationery would also look cute as a gift. After all, ladies really love such things at any age.
- A set of dishes for 42 people coated with mother-of-pearl elements will not only surprise guests and household members, but will also decorate the celebration ceremony.
In addition to the gift, a bouquet of forty-two roses with the addition of pearl dew, tied with a wide white satin ribbon, is perfect. However, not only roses are given to women. The collected compositions will be perfect to match the celebration. Florists are now very active in creating thematic bouquets. If you approach the issue with all responsibility, an experienced florist will quickly and tastefully compose a bouquet for your beloved wife.
– Spouse
A man is a woman's main chosen one. And over the years, the woman determined for herself for what qualities she chose her husband. A gift for your beloved husband will be relevant on the day of celebration.
Not themed gifts, but useful in everyday life.
Don’t be afraid to purchase gifts that don’t match the theme of the celebration. A practical gift will probably be appreciated much more than a less practical, but thematic one. So, you can give some small equipment: a kitchen scale, a waffle iron, an electric pancake maker, a sandwich maker, a hazelnut maker. Or maybe they would like to update their pots or pans, here’s a reason to help you. In addition, spouses can be presented with items useful in the garden: a high-quality pruning shears, a suitcase with gardening tools, ceramic figurines, lamps for flower beds.
You can follow the mother-of-pearl theme with the help of packaging, decorating the souvenir with cream or white ribbons with a shimmer, as well as beads. In this case, you should choose a neutral gift, moving away from the theme. Or maybe a married couple needs something specific? You can ask about this unobtrusively.
