- Kept in every culture
- Cakes and candles
- Happy Birthday song from the 1890s
Where it began
Some of the oldest records of birthdays come from ancient Egypt, where the birthday of a pharaoh was a great feast. The ancient Persians and Romans also held feasts on birthdays, and Romans gave gifts to friends and family.
One story tells that the ancient Greeks offered round honey cakes to the moon goddess Artemis, lit with candles to look like the glowing moon. Historians are not sure of this, but the image of candles on a cake has lasted.
The birthday cake with candles as we know it grew in Germany in the 1700s, at children's parties called Kinderfeste. A candle was added for each year, with one more for the year ahead.
How it grew over time
Ancient Egypt
Birthdays of pharaohs are marked with feasts and gifts.
Roman times
Romans hold birthday feasts and give presents to family and friends.
1700s
German Kinderfeste bring cakes with one candle for each year.
1893
The tune later sung as Happy Birthday to You is published as a school song by two American sisters.
Today
Cakes, songs, calls and messages mark birthdays in every corner of the world.
How it is celebrated in different places
India
Many people start the day with a temple visit or prayer, wear new clothes and share sweets.
China
Long noodles are eaten for a long life, and elders' birthdays are big family feasts.
South Korea
A bowl of seaweed soup is eaten on the birthday morning, recalling a mother's care after birth.
Mexico
Parties often have a colourful pinata filled with sweets, and the song Las Mananitas is sung.
Vietnam
Traditionally, everyone added a year to their age together at the lunar new year.
Birthday moments
Birthday today
Today a birthday can be a big party or a quiet meal at home. Most people feel happiest when family and friends remember the day and send a warm word.
