A birthday is the yearly anniversary of the day a person was born. It is celebrated in many cultures with gifts, food, and a party. The birthday is a special day for the person who is being celebrated and is an important occasion in their life. Birthdays can also be observed for animals, nations, and cultural events. The word “birthday” is derived from the Old English byrddaeg, meaning “day of the womb.” The date of birth is usually given in full in all official documents such as passports and driving licenses. Birthdays are usually celebrated by friends and family, but they can be observed alone as well.
A common tradition is to give a gift to the person being celebrated on their birthday, often in the form of money or a card. Some people give gifts to others on their birthday as well, especially children and pets. A birthday can be a time to reflect on the past year and make goals for the future. Some people may celebrate their birthday with a religious ritual. The birthday is also a time to remember loved ones who have died.
The most common way to wish someone a happy birthday is with the traditional “Happy Birthday to You” song, or variants of it. The song has been sung in different languages since the nineteenth century, and it is one of the most popular songs worldwide. Some people also express their wishes through poems or short messages.
In ancient Rome, each human was thought to have a natal divinity, such as the Genius for a man and Juno for a woman, that owed them religious devotion. A birthday could be marked by lighting an altar, saying prayers, or making vows (vota) at a household shrine. In addition, offerings were made, such as incense, cakes, and wine.
Today, most people celebrate their birthdays by eating a cake with candles. The number of candles on the cake symbolizes how old the person is. People may also give cards to each other on their birthdays, and sometimes with special meaning, such as a funny message or a photo of the person who is celebrating.
Other traditions include wishing good health to the person celebrating, as well as their family and friends. Some people will decorate their homes with streamers and balloons, while others will go out to eat or attend a party. In some cases, people will send a message through social media to their loved ones who are celebrating.
If you are planning a big birthday celebration, it is a good idea to plan ahead. For example, strategically vacuum your home or do other chores you dread ahead of time so that you don’t have to do them on your actual birthday. It is also a good idea to get some sleep the night before, so that you feel rejuvenated and ready to celebrate. In addition, it is a good idea to schedule a spa appointment or massage in advance of your birthday.