Where Has The Tradition Of The Birthday Cake And Candle Originated From?

The history of observing a person's birthday goes back before the 1st and 2nd century. In early days it was thought that evil spirits visited a person on his or her birthday. The family members of the birthday person used tried to ward off the evil spirits by partying around him/her. At that time, there was no tradition of bring gifts. If a guest brought a gift it was considered as an honor for the birthday person.  

A popular belief is that the tradition of the birthday cake was started by the early Greeks. They presented a round (moon shaped cake) honey cake to the temple of Artemis. Artemis was the goddess of the Moon.  They believe that the goddess would watch over them. There are some people who believe that the tradition of the birthday began in Germany where people made bread to imitate the shape of baby Jesus' swaddling cloth.

The tradition of lighting candles is also rooted in early Greek beliefs. The honey cake presented to Artemis was decorated with candles. This was to make the cake shine as bright as the moon. Some people believe that candles sent their prayer and wishes to the gods. In Germany a big candle was place in the center of the cake as a symbol of the light of life.