A birthday is the yearly anniversary of the date when a person was born. It is an important occasion in some cultures and religions, and may be celebrated with gifts, parties, or other festivities. In the past, birthdays were often associated with mythological and religious figures. The word birthday is derived from the Latin baciare, meaning “to be born.”
It may come as no surprise that the most popular present on any given birthday is a card. Around 2 billion cards are sent each year in the United States alone. And there is good reason for that – research shows that people receive more happiness from cards than any other type of gift.
In addition to the general merriment, birthdays provide an excellent opportunity for friends and family to express their love and appreciation. Whether it is in the form of a simple text message or a heartfelt card, birthday wishes can have a significant impact on a person’s day.
As with any special event, different cultures and religions place greater significance on birthdays at certain ages than others. For example, in Japan, the second Monday of January is celebrated as Coming of Age Day, marking the transition from childhood to adulthood. Similarly, Jewish boys and girls undergo a bar or bat mitzvah on their 13th and 15th birthdays to mark the transition from childhood to adulthood. And in Hispanic countries, Quinceaneras are an important way to celebrate the passing of childhood and entrance into young adulthood.
Although most birthday traditions are generally thought to have originated in the West, some can be traced back to ancient Egypt and even ancient Greece. The Egyptians used to mark the birthday of their pharaohs with feasts and presents. Likewise, the Romans had a festival on their emperor’s birthday called Saturnalia that included gifts, food, and drink. It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution that the birthday became more widely celebrated and that the tradition of giving cards and sending messages of well-wishes was introduced.
While you may be tempted to go out and splurge on your big day, a more thoughtful present is a donation in your honor to your favorite charity. Many social media platforms make it easy to start a fundraising campaign that friends and family can contribute to.
Getting that tattoo or piercing you have been thinking about is also a great way to mark your special milestone. Just be sure to do your homework and find a reputable artist to ensure it is safe and executed perfectly.