Iron : A 6th Wedding Anniversary Gift Forged Through Fire
The sixth year of marriage is one that is often overlooked. We’re all familiar with the silver and golden anniversaries, but most people don’t see the back half of the first decade as all that celebratory. By year six, the honeymoon phase has likely been traded in for the realities of life, mortgages, and the work of building a life together. A golden anniversary, however, is a celebration and an honor. But one doesn’t just wake up married for half a century without a story to tell.
Here at Urban Forge, we are interested in the story, in the making. Imagine arriving at 50 years of marriage with a symbolic heirloom piece received on your Iron Anniversary. One that can be passed down and never forgotten. Now that’s romantic!
It is rather curious that the traditional gift for year six is Iron, as it represents strength and tenacity, forged through fire. Iron has been widely recognized as a symbol of fortitude, honor, and courage.
The gift of iron represents a beautiful picture of deep commitment and promise to walk with the person you love through all that life will bring, with the hope to come out on the other side stronger.
Couples who have been married for more than fifteen years were asked if they remembered what their spouse gave them for their sixth anniversary. Most looked off into the distance, trying to conjure up a memory of such a gift. Those who remembered said things like: “Well, we had another baby. No time for a gift,” and “I think maybe I got a kiss.” Or, “We went on a vacation that wasn’t really a vacation because we took our toddlers.”
”I got a blue trash can,” was the one that really sticks out.
I am sure all of these gift givers meant well and share values and commitment as they are all still married to this day. But, did they have a vision for a meaningful gift?
Novelist Sherrilyn Kenyon says, “The strongest steel is forged by the fires of hell. It is pounded and struck repeatedly before it’s plunged back into the molten fire. The fire gives it power and flexibility, and the blows give it strength. Those two things make the metal pliable and able to withstand every battle it’s called upon to fight.”
What an alluring metaphor this is for marriage and commitment. Just as hand forged iron renders something sustainable and beautiful made through fire, difficult times in life and relationships have the capacity to shape us into stronger and more flexible people.
Maybe you resonate with the idea of a gift that tells the story of life — a story that can be passed down to the next generation. Our pieces are handmade and unbreakable, built to last. A gift of iron is a proclamation of commitment and legacy building. Hand forged iron is not only a beautiful addition to your home's aesthetic, it can be a symbol of hope and purpose to your future together.
We provide many designs and options: from items under $200 to heirloom pieces of iron furniture. Let us help you find a gift to celebrate and symbolize not only your sixth year of marriage, but the legacy you intend to forge!
Do you love one of our pieces and want to add your own touch? Our skilled craftsmen can help customize any piece of furniture we make. If you can dream it, we can build it.
Urban Forge furniture and decor are artisan made, guaranteed forever.
Take a look at this wide range of offerings in our top 6 picks to help you celebrate your Iron Anniversary.