Rooted in Love: The Deeper Meaning of Wood for the 5th Anniversary

Milestones in marriage are more than just dates on the calendar — they are markers of how far a couple has come and reminders of the strength they’ve built together. The 5th wedding anniversary is traditionally celebrated with the gift of wood, and while that may seem simple at first glance, its symbolism runs deep. In fact, the use of wood for this occasion reflects the complex, enduring, and organic nature of a long-lasting relationship.

Let’s explore why wood is more than just a material — and how it has come to represent the heart of a strong marriage.

Why Wood? A Symbol of Growth and Stability

Unlike the fleeting glamour of flowers or the cool permanence of metal, wood strikes a balance — it’s strong but flexible, natural yet enduring. Wood lives and breathes, shaped by time, weather, and care. In that way, it’s a perfect metaphor for five years of shared life.

In the first few years of marriage, couples often build a foundation. They adapt to routines, navigate challenges, and discover how to support each other through life’s shifting seasons. By year five, the roots are established. The relationship isn’t just surviving — it’s growing.

Wood symbolizes:

• Strength – Trees stand tall through storms. A five-year marriage has proven it can weather adversity.

• Growth – Like a sapling turning into a tree, a marriage at this stage has matured and taken shape.

• Connection to Nature – Wood reconnects us to something organic and timeless, reflecting the raw authenticity that comes from living and loving deeply over time.

• Stability – A wooden beam supports a house. Similarly, a solid partnership holds up the life two people are building together.

These traits make wood a beautiful and layered representation of a fifth anniversary. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about the quiet, steady power of love.

A Legacy of Tradition

The association between wood and the fifth anniversary dates back to Victorian England, where symbolic gifts were often given to mark the passage of time and the evolving nature of a marriage. The idea was that each year should build upon the last — starting with paper (year one) and culminating in more precious materials like gold and diamonds.

Wood was chosen for year five because it suggests that the relationship is past the fragile beginning stages. It’s stable. It has “roots.”

In some cultures, trees are sacred. The Celtic tradition, for instance, holds the oak as a symbol of strength and wisdom. In Japanese culture, bonsai trees represent patience and harmony. These global associations with wood deepen its meaning when given as an anniversary gift.

Wood Jewelry: A Contemporary Take on Tradition

One of the reasons wood remains a popular theme is its versatility. At Liel and Lentz, we’ve taken this classic symbol and given it new life through modern wood jewelry that’s elegant, meaningful, and wearable.

Wood might traditionally conjure images of carved keepsakes or home décor, but our approach is different. We work with rich, sustainably sourced woods and pair them with precious metals and gemstones to create anniversary pieces that feel as refined as they are symbolic.

Some of our most popular 5th anniversary gifts include:

5 Blue Sapphire Round - Silver
Featuring five sapphires set in a delicate round wood pendant, this necklace blends organic elements with shimmering stones, representing each cherished year you've spent together. It’s a quiet statement of elegance, perfect for everyday wear or special occasions.

Gold Mini Heart
This petite heart pendant is sweet and symbolic, ideal for someone who prefers subtle jewelry with deep meaning. The warmth of gold paired with the natural grain of wood makes it a touching and heartfelt gift.

Engravable Gold Bar Bracelet
With space for a custom engraving, this bracelet turns a traditional material into a highly personal keepsake. It’s ideal for marking your anniversary with a meaningful word, date, or set of initials.


Onyx Wood Men's Bracelet
Minimalist, masculine, and timeless. This bracelet combines striking onyx stones with a wood bar accent for a modern look that suits daily wear. It’s a perfect way to give your husband something meaningful, rooted in tradition but designed for today.

These pieces reflect the layered nature of a strong marriage — part organic, part refined, all rooted in something real.

Wood and Memory: More Than Just a Gift

One of the beautiful aspects of wood is its connection to memory. A tree might live for hundreds of years, bearing witness to generations. A wooden piece, worn close to the skin, becomes part of the wearer’s story.

When you give a wood jewelry piece, you're not just marking a date — you're honouring the journey. Every knot, grain, and polished surface tells a story: of late-night conversations, of holidays and hard times, of laughter and compromise.

And unlike flowers that fade or items that get put away, jewelry becomes a part of daily life. A wooden pendant or bracelet is something your partner can wear every day — a quiet reminder of how far you’ve come.

Sustainable Love

There’s also a beautiful message in choosing wood for its eco-conscious qualities. Many of our customers value not only the symbolism of wood but also its connection to sustainability. A gift that honours the environment while honouring your marriage? That’s love with integrity.

At Liel and Lentz, we source our wood responsibly, prioritizing longevity and low environmental impact. Our goal is to create gifts that are as sustainable as the relationships they celebrate.

From Nature, With Meaning

Every relationship has its rhythm, and at five years, it often shifts from the spark of “new love” into something deeper — a kind of love that’s less about excitement and more about understanding. The kind of love that feels like home.

Wood represents that transition beautifully. It’s a material that evolves with time. It develops a patina, gains character, and becomes more beautiful the more it’s lived in — just like a marriage.

Choosing a wooden anniversary gift isn’t just about tradition. It’s about honoring the truth of your story. The roots you’ve planted. The growth you’ve made together.

Ideas Beyond Jewelry (But Still Beautifully Wooden)

While wood jewelry makes an especially meaningful and lasting gift, some couples like to explore other wood-based ideas for their anniversary. Here are a few thoughtful alternatives that still tie into the tradition:

• A handcrafted wooden photo frame with a favourite wedding or vacation photo

• A wooden keepsake box engraved with your wedding date

• A tree-planting kit to symbolize continued growth together

• A wood-accented watch for a blend of utility and sentiment

The key is choosing something that reflects your shared values and lifestyle — whether that's style, nature, or something deeply personal.

Let Your Love Take Root

The fifth anniversary is a celebration of endurance — not the flashy kind, but the kind that lasts. The kind of love that knows how to adapt, that strengthens through the seasons, and that continues to grow even after the honeymoon phase has faded.

In gifting wood, you’re not only honoring a tradition — you’re offering a promise. That like the strongest trees, your love will stand tall. That your bond will deepen with time. That what you’re building is real, lasting, and worthy of celebration.

So whether you choose a handcrafted wood and gold necklace, a minimalist men’s bracelet, or a meaningful wooden memento, remember: you’re giving more than a gift. You’re giving a symbol of all the roots you’ve planted — and all the growth still to come.