A birthday is an annual anniversary of the date of a person’s birth, usually observed with gifts, parties and well wishes. Birthdays are celebrated by almost all cultures worldwide, and are regarded as important events in a person’s life. A person’s birthday is also the occasion for them to reflect on their past, present and future accomplishments and a time to make resolutions for the upcoming year.
A cake is often served at a birthday party, and it may be decorated with candles that correspond to the person’s age. A song may be sung, and the celebrant is traditionally presented with a special gift. Some people also exchange cards with messages wishing them well on their birthday. Some groups, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, do not celebrate birthdays.
If the birthday celebrant is a dancer, then a dance party is a great way to let their hair down and have fun. This can be a simple affair, with just the birthday person and a few close friends, or it can be a large dance with lots of guests. Music is key, so make a playlist and choose songs that will get people dancing. If it’s a surprise party, get a friend to make a speech that highlights some of their favourite things about the celebrant. If they are a public speaker, this is even better and will ensure that everyone has a good time.
The earliest mention of a birthday is in Egypt around 3,000 BCE, in reference to the crowning of a Pharaoh. Scholars speculate that this was not the king’s actual birth into the world, but his “birth” as a god. Birthdays are generally considered a cause for celebration, but they can be a reminder of loss as well. For those who have lost someone, it can be a difficult day, and it is common to visit their grave or go to a place that was meaningful to them in memory of the deceased.
A zoo is the perfect venue for anyone who loves animals and wants to mark their birthday with a trip out to see them in their natural habitat. Some zoos have spaces for parties that include viewing areas right next to the exhibits, which can give it a real sense of adventure and excitement for the birthday person. Another option is to throw a party at an aquarium, which will make the celebration feel like a real journey under the sea.