Birthday traditions around the world.

Birthday traditions around te world.

Birthday parties are always important for children, but did you ever think how the history of birthday parties started?

Tradition of birthday parties started in Europe a long time ago. People used to think that evil spirits were particularly attracted to people on their birthdays. To protect them from harm, friends and family spent some time with the birthday person and brought good thoughts and wishes. This is how birthday parties began.

At first it was only kings who were recognized as very important people to have a birthday celebration. A formal ball was planned and announcements were sent throughout the land. As time went by, children became included in birthday celebrations. The first children's birthday parties occuried in Germany and were called Kinderfeste. Kinderfeste was a celebration with a cake, decorations and fun games to play.

   Some traditions are quite similar in many parts of the world; birthday candles which carry wishes up to God, birthday games, and birthday pinches or taps which ensure good luck for the coming year. Some traditions are more specific to certain countries.