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It is believed that the tradition of birthday parties started in Europe thousands of years ago. It was feared that evil spirits were attracted to people on their birthdays and so to protect them from harm, friends and family would get together with the birthday person and bring good thoughts & wishes. Gifts were also thought to be a way of warding off the evil spirits.
At first only Royalty were considered important enough to have birthday parties, but as time went by, children became included in birthday celebrations.
The tradition of children's birthday parties first started in Germany and were called Kinderfeste.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to the origin of Birthday Cakes.
Some say the tradition of birthday cakes began with the ancient Greeks, who used to take round cakes representing the full moon to the temple of their goddess of the moon, Artemis.
Others believe the tradition began in Germany, where a special cake the Germans were known for (Geburtstagorten), was used for birthday celebrations.
Every year we put candles on our children’s birthday cakes. Ever stopped to wonder where the idea came from?
It is thought that the lighting of candles originated with people believing that the gods lived in the sky and by lighting candles and torches they were sending a signal or prayer to the gods, so that they could be answered. Blowing out the candles and making a wish was another way of sending a signal and a message
It’s also believed that thirteenth – century Germans (skilled candle-makers) are believed to be the first to celebrate children’s birthdays with candles. Candles symbolised life, and so a candle for each year of the child’s life was placed on the cake, with an extra one added for luck!
It is also said that the Greeks placed candles on their birthday cakes to make the cake look like it was glowing like the moon for their goddess of the moon, Artemis.
Did you know that the Happy Birthday song is more than one hundred years old!
Sisters, Patty & Mildred Hill, schoolteachers in Louisville, Kentucky wrote this song in 1893. Their now famous tune was originally a morning greeting to students entitled "Good Morning To All."
The lyrics "Happy Birthday to You" were copyrighted in 1935, and the ownership has swapped hands ever since. The current copyright is owned by Warner Communications, purchased in 1989 for more than $22 million dollars! |
A child’s 1st Birthday is one that all parents will want to celebrate. Unfortunately, as Baby won’t know what is happening, it’s best to keep it a small celebration. Invite just a few close friends and family. As it’s still a special day, be sure to have a birthday cake and don’t forget to take lots of photos!
A 2 year old child will enjoy the opening of gifts. He/she will be aware of the excitement on this special day. It is recommended that you keep the party small & simple, with only two or three little friends to share the day.
A child that is turning 3 understands excactly what a party is, and will enjoy the planning & setting up of the party as much the party it’s self. Try again to keep the party simple as 3yr old’s are easily overwelmed.
By the age of 4, your child will most likely have his/her own ideas with regard to the Theme, the cake and of course who to invite. The party should have lots of nice things to eat & lots of fun things to do. Décor is great, but it is merely detail to a 4yr old.
One day, your child will look back at these the 5, 6 & 7 year parties. He/she will remember, not the money you spent, but rather the excitement of the preparations and the feeling of being so very very special. So go ahead, make the effort with the decorations etc… If you can, pull out all the stops with the theme and make it a day your child will remember forever. |