Your wedding anniversary is a day that you remember or commemorate because you married the previous year on that date. Originally, marriages were expected to last only until death did them part, so they weren't considered long-term commitments. In modern times, many people choose to celebrate their marriage anniversary even if they're not married. They may do this as a way of showing respect for their past relationships or because it's a tradition that brings happiness into their lives. Marriage anniversaries are usually noted in some form or another. Friends and family might write letters or e-mails to each other about what has happened in your marriage over time. They may also share stories about when they first met or how your relationship changed them over time. These reflections are called "marital histories" and can be very interesting to read after your marriage has ended but before you get divorced. People also like to give gifts on their wedding anniversary, whether it's something expensive or not. It's a chance for them to show you how much you mean to them without being too forward. A gift may be a single item such as a card or flower arrangement, or it may be a complete set of dishes or cooking tools.