A birthday is the anniversary of a person’s birth or, figuratively, of an institution. It is celebrated in numerous cultures, often with a gift, a party, or a rite of passage.
A Birthday is a special occasion that should be marked with a thoughtful, heartfelt wish from friends and family. These wishes can be as simple as “happy birthday” or a more elaborate and personal statement.
The word “birthday” comes from the Latin term for natalis, meaning “coming into being.” Originally, this was a religious rite to commemorate a god’s creation of a mortal human being. This rite evolved into the modern birthday celebration with gifts, parties, and other festivities.
People are born to serve a purpose, and the gift of their birth is confirmation that they are on this earth for a reason. The celebration of their birth allows them to reflect on that purpose, set new goals, and enjoy the journey of life.
Birthdays are a time for loved ones to bond with the celebrant and show their affection. Whether it is with a thoughtful gift, a well-wish, or a smile, the love is clear. In today’s busy world, it is rare for people to spend quality time together. But on a birthday, the bonds are strengthened by a willingness to make the extra effort.
The first known birthday celebrations took place in ancient Egypt, around 3,000 B.C.E. In those days, however, the honorees were mainly rulers, like Egyptian pharaohs, or members of the upper class. Over the centuries, the celebrations spread worldwide, and as a result, the traditions that have evolved are now quite diverse.
Some cultures use special decorations on the birthday cake to symbolize different aspects of the person’s life. For example, some people will put candles on the cake to represent the number of years that the individual has lived. They may also add a star or other symbol to the top of the cake to indicate their rank, status, or achievement.
Other cultures, such as those in Brazil and some parts of Canada, pull on a person’s ears on their birthday to signify that they are growing up. The birthday person’s nose may be smeared with butter to prevent bad luck.
In most of the world, a birthday is marked with a song, the most popular being the tune that begins with “Happy Birthday to you.” This tune was actually composed in 1893 by two teachers, Mildred Hill and Patty Hill. They created the tune to be sung in their classroom each morning before school began. It soon became a beloved tradition. Over the years, additional lyrics were added and, as with most songs, variations were made over the years. The final version that is known today was published in 1924.