The History of Birthdays: When and How Did Birthday Celebrations Begin?

Birthdays are one of the most special days for each individual. But have you ever wondered: When did birthdays start? What is the origin of celebrating birthdays? Let's explore the fascinating history of birthdays in this article!

1. When Did Birthdays Begin? A Look at Ancient Origins

Who Were the First to Celebrate Birthdays?

According to historians, the first recorded birthdays date back to around 3,000 BC in Ancient Egypt. As per research by historian Joann Fletcher, Egyptian Pharaohs did not celebrate their actual birth date but rather the day they ascended to the throne, as this was considered the moment they became divine on Earth.

The Greeks later adopted this tradition and incorporated religious elements. They celebrated birthdays to honor their gods, particularly Artemis, the goddess of the moon. The Greeks were also the first to place candles on birthday cakes, symbolizing the light of the moon and their prayers.

The Romans and the Birthdays of Common People

Unlike the Egyptians and Greeks, the Romans extended the birthday tradition to ordinary citizens. Roman men who turned 50 were honored with grand ceremonies, feasts, and gatherings with family and friends. This milestone marked their maturity and contributions to society. However, Roman women had to wait until the 12th century to have officially recognized birthdays, as they were previously not included in public celebrations.

Illustration by J. Williamson. Culture Club/Getty Images 

Additionally, according to The History of Birthday Celebrations, the Romans were the first civilization to hold birthday celebrations for prominent figures such as generals and politicians. These events often included sports games, speeches, and sometimes sacrifices to express gratitude to the gods for blessing the person celebrating their birthday.

2. The Middle Ages: Birthdays and Religion

During the Middle Ages, birthdays were not widely celebrated in the West due to the strong influence of Christianity. The Catholic Church initially viewed birthdays as symbols of human frailty and sin, as people were born with original sin. Instead, the Church focused on the death anniversaries of saints, believing these marked their rebirth into heaven.

However, the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birthday (Christmas) gradually changed this perception. Initially, the Church only recognized the death dates of saints, as these were seen as their true spiritual rebirth. But over time, the event of Christmas set a precedent for accepting personal birthdays within Christian communities.

By the 12th century, this perspective had shifted significantly. Clergy members recognized that celebrating birthdays could be an opportunity to give thanks to God for the gift of life. Gradually, personal birthdays became more popular, especially among European royalty and nobility. These celebrations often included prayer ceremonies in churches to bless the individual, marking an important milestone in their life. Thanks to changing religious and societal perspectives, birthdays became widely accepted.

3. The 18th-19th Century: The Widespread Popularity of Birthdays

In the 18th century, birthday celebrations became more common, particularly in Europe. The middle class began to celebrate birthdays as a family gathering to express gratitude for life.

The Germans were the first to introduce Kinderfeste – birthday parties for children. These gatherings included food, games, and family celebrations. This is also where the tradition of placing candles on birthday cakes began, with each candle representing a year of life. Children would blow out the candles while making a wish, believing that the smoke carried their prayers to the heavens.

Painting of a Kinderfeste by Ludwig Knaus in 1869

By the 19th century, thanks to the rise of the printing industry, birthday cards became widely available. One of the first birthday cards was produced in England in 1870. Giving birthday cards soon became an important tradition, allowing people to express their love and best wishes on this special day.

4. Modern Birthdays and Global Traditions

Today, birthdays are celebrated worldwide, with different customs depending on cultural backgrounds:

• Western Culture:

Birthday parties often include birthday cakes, candles, and the singing of Happy Birthday. The birthday person makes a wish before blowing out the candles, a tradition based on the belief that successfully extinguishing all the candles in one breath brings good luck and grants the wish. Surprise parties are also common, where the birthday person is unaware of the celebration in advance, making it an exciting event.

• Vietnam:

Birthdays are occasions for family and friends to gather, often with cake and well-wishes. Traditional Vietnamese birthday-related customs include Thôi nôi (the first birthday) and Đầy tháng (the one-month celebration). Thôi nôi is a significant milestone, including a ritual where the child selects objects predicting their future profession. For elderly individuals, birthdays serve as moments for family reunions and expressions of filial piety, sometimes accompanied by Mừng thọ ceremonies at milestone ages like 60, 70, or 80. The Mừng thọ celebration is deeply rooted in Confucian values, emphasizing respect for elders and gratitude for longevity.

• South Korea:

Newborns in South Korea are traditionally considered one year old at birth due to an age-counting system known as "Korean age." Their first birthday, called Dol (돌잔치 - Doljanchi), is a major milestone and is celebrated with a grand ceremony involving family and friends.

One of the most significant moments is Doljabi (돌잡이), a ritual in which the baby selects an item from an array of symbolic objects. Each object represents a possible future career or destiny. For example, a pencil may indicate intelligence and academic success, while a stethoscope might suggest a future as a doctor. The choice is often met with excitement and playful speculation from family members, making Doljabi a cherished and entertaining tradition.

• China:

Elderly individuals traditionally eat Longevity Noodles (长寿面 - Chángshòu miàn) instead of birthday cake. These long, unbroken noodles symbolize a long and prosperous life, and cutting or breaking them while eating is considered unlucky as it signifies shortening one's lifespan. The noodles are often served in a rich broth with vegetables and sometimes eggs, representing vitality and wholeness.

Gifts for elders frequently include calligraphy featuring the character Shòu (寿, meaning longevity), herbal teas believed to promote health, and nutritious foods such as bird’s nest soup and ginseng, which are associated with strength and vitality in traditional Chinese medicine. Family members often gather for a celebratory meal, reinforcing the values of respect and filial piety toward the elderly.

• Mexico:

One of the most famous traditions is Quinceañera – the grand 15th birthday celebration for girls, marking their transition into womanhood. This elaborate event typically begins with a religious ceremony, often a Catholic mass, to bless the girl and acknowledge her coming of age.

Following the service, a grand reception is held, featuring a symbolic father-daughter dance, where the father or a male guardian presents her as a young woman to society. The girl wears a glamorous gown, often in pastel or bright colors, symbolizing youth and elegance.

Other key traditions include the Última Muñeca (Last Doll), where the celebrant receives a final childhood doll, and the Changing of the Shoes, where she is presented with high heels to signify her maturity. Family, godparents, and close friends play significant roles in supporting and sponsoring different aspects of the celebration, making Quinceañera a cherished and culturally rich event in Latin American communities.

• Russia:

Instead of cake, Russians often eat Pirozhki, a pastry filled with meat, potatoes, or fruit. These small, stuffed pastries are a beloved staple in Russian cuisine and are often homemade for special occasions. Some families also prepare Medovik, a honey cake, or Napoleon, a layered puff pastry dessert, for more elaborate celebrations.

Birthday gifts in Russia tend to be meaningful rather than expensive, with items such as books, handwritten letters, or even handcrafted gifts being highly appreciated. Flowers are also a popular gift, but it is essential to give an odd number of flowers, as even numbers are traditionally associated with funerals.

• India:

A common Hindu tradition for children's birthdays is the Mundan ceremony, where a child’s head is shaved to cleanse past-life negativity and bring blessings. Many families also visit temples to receive blessings from deities, particularly Lord Ganesha, the god of new beginnings. Additionally, in some regions of India, children are smeared with turmeric paste for good fortune and protection from evil spirits.

5. Fun Facts About Birthdays

• The “Happy Birthday” Song was composed in 1893 and has become the most popular birthday song worldwide.

• The largest birthday party was held for Indian politician Jayalalitha, with over 150,000 attendees.

• The world’s biggest birthday cake was made in the USA in 1989, weighing over 58 tons and serving 150,000 people.

• The person with the most birthday parties was King Louis XIV of France, who hosted hundreds of celebrations throughout his reign.

• The tradition of birthday punches – In some countries like Canada and the UK, it is common to give the birthday person a light punch on the arm for each year they have turned, with an extra one for good luck.

Conclusion

Birthdays have evolved from religious rituals to a global tradition. While every country has unique ways of celebrating, the essence remains the same: love, joy, and togetherness.

Hopefully, this article has given you a deeper understanding of the history and significance of birthdays!