History of Birthday Celebrations

Birthday celebrations date back thousands of years. In Pagan cultures people feared that evil spirits would take them especially on their birthday. It was a belief that the spirits were more dangerous to a person when he or she experienced a change in their day to day life, such as turning a year older. Because of this, birthdays were occasions celebrated with family and friends, who surrounded the person celebrating their birthday with laughter and joy in order to protect them from evil spirits. Instead of gifts, most guests would deliver good wishes for the upcoming year. If well-wishers did bring gifts however it was considered a good omen for the birthday person.

Most historical references to Birthday celebrations refer to the nobility and those in power as celebrating them. This is most likely due to the fact that they had the resources to have the details recorded and not the fact that commoners did not celebrate their birthdays.

The birthday story that is known best is about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem . For 2,000 years since that day, the Christian world has honoured his birth with the celebration of Christmas.

There are other biblical references to birthday party's. King Pharaoh celebrated his birthday by making a feast for his court followers. That was over 4,000 years ago. The story of King Herod tells that on his birthday he made a supper for his lords, high captains and other special friends in Galilee .

Cultures vary however birthdays are celebrated around the world. Although birthday customs are quite similar in a lot of countries, not everyone celebrates in the same way. Different people have incorporated their own rituals into the birthday celebration, based on spiritual beliefs and ancient cultural traditions.

The custom of lighting candles originated with people believing that the gods lived in the sky and by lighting candles and torches they were sending a signal or prayer to the gods so that they could be answered. When you blow out the candles and make a wish this is another way of sending a signal and a message.

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