A birthday is the anniversary of the date that a person was born, usually observed on the day of their birth and often celebrated with friends and family by eating cake or other foods and giving gifts. A person whose birthday is being celebrated is known as a celebrant or an honoree. It is also a common practice to send greeting cards to one another on this occasion.
Birthdays are celebrated in many cultures around the world. It is also a significant holiday for some religions.
The most famous birthday is that of Jesus of Nazareth, which is celebrated on December 25, a Christian holiday. Many people use this occasion to reflect on what has happened in their life over the past year and consider goals for the future.
A birthday is typically marked with a special cake, a present or gift, and a greeting card. It is common to include the number of candles on the cake that match the age of the person celebrating.
While a birthday may be an important time to consider personal changes and milestones, it is also a time to celebrate who you are and what you have done. For example, some people choose to make a birthday bucket list to document their achievements over the years and inspire them to continue growing as a person.
In some parts of the world, birthdays are traditionally celebrated in a family setting, with a traditional meal, a gift or money for the celebrant, and a song or dance. Other cultures may hold special ceremonies at a temple or other public place. For example, in Japan, people visit a shrine on their birthdays.
Birthdays are celebrated by millions of people worldwide, and they are the most popular holiday of all. Around 2 billion cards are sent annually to celebrate a person’s birthday.
Some religious groups do not celebrate birthdays, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses. In the early days of Christianity, some Christians opposed the celebration of birthdays, which they viewed as a pagan custom. The church’s doctrine changed over the centuries, and today, most Christians do celebrate birthdays.
NYC is a popular destination for birthdays, with plenty of fun things to do. Whether you want to spend a night out at a trendy bar or go for afternoon tea, this is a great way to celebrate your big day.
For a more energetic birthday, try playing laser tag at Area53 in Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood. This is a great option for a group of friends and they even have private party rooms for bigger groups. Alternatively, head to Central Park and rent rowboats from the Loeb Boathouse for a relaxing way to enjoy one of NYC’s most beautiful parks. Visiting a speakeasy is another great birthday idea in NYC. Put on your best flapper dress or pinstripe suit and experience NYC’s Prohibition-era vibe for a night to remember.