International Culture: Birthday Celebration
History of Birthday
The first mentions of a birthday came from Ancient Egypt, where large celebrations
were put on for the Pharaoh. These celebrations were coronation dates, symbolic of the
Pharaoh’s birth as a ‘god.’ The first of these is said to have taken place somewhere around
the year 3,000 B.C.E. The first recorded instance of this can be found in the Hebrew Bible,
which describes such a celebration for the Egyptian Pharaoh. Like many things, this Egyptian
tradition came into use by Ancient Greeks. They similarly celebrated their gods as a form of
tribute. To do this, they offered moon-shaped cakes to the lunar goddess Artemis. As a way
to recreate the Moon’s radiance and Artemis’ beauty, the Greeks added lit candles to make
the cakes look as if they were glowing. This became a tradition carried on to this day. Despite
playing host to the most widely celebrated birthday in the world, Christmas, early in the
Christian church’s history, birthdays were considered Pagan rituals. In their first few hundred
years of existence, they believed birthday celebrations to be evil and would not allow them.
This changed around the fourth century when the birth of Jesus began to be celebrated. It is
said they began to celebrate in the hopes of bringing in people that already observed the
Roman holiday of Saturnalia. In medieval times, nobility began to celebrate their actual
birthdays, while the peasants celebrated their ‘Saint’s Day,’ which was the saint they were
named after. Most research points to Rome as the first society to begin celebrating birthdays
for non-religious figures. However, they did this only for the men, as women did not have
birthday celebrations until the 12th century. The Romans were also the first to have public
holidays dedicated to the more famous citizens’ birthdays, as instituted by the government.
Roman celebrations also brought forth the practice of generous presents being given. Many of
the common traits of a modern birthday party stem from Germany in the late 18th century. At
this point, birthday celebrations had become much more widely accepted. For example, in
China, a child’s first birthday was a specific event to be honored. But it came in Germany,
where the creation of Kinderfeste (kids events) became the clearest precursor to current day
birthday parties. It was here that a child’s birthday would be celebrated with a birthday cake
and candles denoting how old they were, with an extra candle to symbolize the year ahead.
This was also where the practice of blowing out the candles to make a wish began.
Birthdays are celebrated in different ways across civilizations. However, the goal is
always the same: to rejoice in life and another year of being alive. While others view
birthdays as a time for self-reflection and development. Some people think it's a time to go
out and have fun with friends and family.
Birthday in Philippines
Every year, we see how each Filipino celebrates their birthdays; there is always joy
and excitement, and that everyone wants to take part. This can be one of the ways how
Filipinos celebrate birthdays differently from people from other countries. For the majority of
our Kababayans, birthdays are more than just a reason to celebrate life; even when they are
far from home, it's all about spending time with loved ones. As an outcome, when close
friends, family, and neighbors join together to rejoice and enjoy delicious food, especially
Filipino cuisine, birthday parties resemble mini-reunions. Most of the time, the parent and
other family members do everything they can to make the special event for their child or
loved ones one of their most memorable celebrations.
Most celebrated and significant birthdays in the Philippines
1st Birthday- The very first birthday of a Filipino child is the most awaited event for the
majority of first-time parents; at this celebration, baby clothes, feeding bottles, cribs, and a
bathtub are typically the gifts that the birthday celebrant is expecting. As it is the child's first
birthday, expect lots of laughs, cheek pinching, and conversation amongst the parents,
godparents, and relatives.
7th Birthday- One of the expensive kids' parties is the 7th birthday celebration in the
Philippines. Children are now expected to take greater responsibility for their activities,
which marks a new stage in their development. Also, this indicates that they are finishing up
pre-school and starting a new chapter in primary school.
18th and 21st Birthday- The 18th (for girls) and 21st (for men) birthdays are significant in
Filipino culture because they signify the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The
traditional term for a girl's 18th birthday is her debut. They receive a grand birthday
celebration with 18 roses 18 candles, 18 treasures and 18 blue bills, which each part has
different roles. 21st birthday among men is celebrated, but they do not usually throw big
parties. They simply enjoy getting together and spending time with their closest buddies
through adventures, gimmicks, or drinking.
50th Birthday- The majority of Filipinos consider turning 50 as an important milestone. The
family usually throws the celebrant a surprise birthday party where friends and family get
together to honor their lives. It's common to refer to this birthday as a "golden birthday."
60th Birthday- For most of Filipinos, this birthday is by far the most significant because it
marks a crucial turning point in life and signifies retirement from the job, which will allow
the celebrant to spend their time as they wish at home or wherever the sun shines. The
purpose of this celebration is to give thanks for 60 years of life and the courage to have made
it this far.
What Makes a Filipino Birthday Party Extraordinary
1. No Reservations
Anybody is welcome! That is the depth of the Filipino family culture. It implies that every
friend or relative within a day's journey, regardless of how distant the blood tie, must be
invited to or involved in the organizing of the birthday party.
2. Birthday Blowout
It's difficult to attend family events at home when they're at work. Friends, coworkers, and
neighbors therefore turn into essential sources of support. The birthday celebrant prefers to
invite friends to a party rather than inviting family. In this case, restaurants act as the
gathering place where everyone can relax and take in the festivities.
3. Potluck
Filipino cuisine that is enjoyed at home is commonly served when celebrators get together.
This is offered as a buffet or in the 'boodle fight,' which is becoming more and more popular.
Due to time limitations, they would agree to host a potluck in its place. A meal would be
provided for each visitor to contribute to the gathering. This is so because Filipinos are
generally friendly and helpful, and they go out of their way to make sure everyone is happy.
4. Karaoke
Together with eating, the Filipinos like to sing. They are hooked with karaoke, and birthday
parties always expect it. Without it, the celebration will not start. Every Filipino home has a
Magic Sing or Magic Mic karaoke system, regardless of where they reside—in the US, the
UK, or the Middle East. Nowadays, almost everyone with a smartphone has a mini-bluetooth
karaoke microphone or apps that let them sing along and share their performances.
5. Leftovers
Running out of food at gatherings is the one thing that Filipinos fear the most. No matter how
tight the budget, the host will surely spend as much on the food as necessary to make sure the
visitors have a satisfying lunch or dinner. There will certainly be a ton of leftovers after the
celebration is over. They are given out and taken home by visitors or family members.
Birthday in Canada (Western part)
Birthday celebrations in Canada are very similar to those in the United States. There are
celebrations, gifts, cakes, and an overall good time for everyone.
Canadian Birthday Traditions
During childhood, most parents will arrange birthday parties for their children on the special
day (or the nearest available weekend), a fun excuse for the birthday boy or girl to gather up
all their schoolyard buddies and spend the afternoon hanging [Link] Canadian kids are
fairly spoiled these days, the organization and planning of children's birthday parties can
often be a rather grueling and expensive chore for many parents; parties are now often
expected to be held on the special day (or the closest available weekend). In exchange, the
guest's parents are expected to buy a nice present for the birthday boy or girl.
1. The Fortune Cake
One unusual tradition I discovered was the fortune cake. In some families, a wrapped coin is
hidden among the layers of the birthday cake, which is also known as money cake. You get to
go first in all of the party games if you find the coin!
2. Greased Nose
Another peculiar tradition. Friends or family may surprise a child in certain parts of the
country, particularly Atlantic Canada, by "greasing" their nose with butter; this is known as
Greased Nose or buttered nose. A buttered nose is supposed to help children avoid bad luck.
According to legend, this custom originated in Scotland and spread to Eastern Canada. The
greased nose will make the person too slippery for bad luck the following year. The amount
of butter increases as the child grows older!
The tradition holds that if your nose is greased, any bad luck you encounter will simply slide
right off.
3. Birthday Bumps
"The bumps," also known as "the dumps" in Scotland, is a birthday torment common in
countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and India that involves friends and
family of the person whose birthday it is taking him or her by the arms and legs and
"bumping" him or her up into the air and down onto the floor. The number of "bumps" given
equals the age of the person in years plus one "for luck". Typically, "the Bumps" are only
given to children, in part because adults become too heavy for the procedure.
4. Sweet Sixteen Party
A sweet sixteen is a coming-of-age party that celebrates a teenager's 16th birthday, which is a
significant age milestone for young teenagers. It is primarily observed in the United States
and Canada, and the main purpose of the celebration is to commemorate the person becoming
"older" and entering a new stage of their life. Sugar is the sweet sixteen party's symbol.
As Canadians enter their adolescence and adulthood, they gain more control over their own
birthday celebrations. Explicit parties are becoming less common, while more casual outings,
such as a birthday trip to a favorite restaurant or bar, are becoming more common. Gifts from
friends are typically discontinued around this time, though they may continue from close
family. At any age, it's important to acknowledge someone else's birthday with kindness and
warm wishes — even if it's just a text message or a Facebook post.
Comparison between Philippine and Western Birthdays
Philippine Birthdays Western Birthdays (Canada)
Filipinos usually find a way to Almost any birthday in the west can
celebrate birthdays, even in the be made memorable if they want it to
Importance simplest way, because they be, and they can celebrate at any age,
perceive birthdays to be however there are several that most
blessings. people save for important events.
Most Western people value particular
birthdays, such as the first, thirteenth,
The first, seventh, eighth,
sixteenth, and twenty-first, as well as
nineteenth, twenty-first, and
Significant the birthday of each decade that
sixtieth birthdays are significant
Birthdays follows, such as the thirtieth or forty-
to Filipinos, however any
first. Even so, any birthday can be
birthday can be celebrated.
celebrated. Even half birthdays are
celebrated by certain people.
Cake Birthday cake is a major Without a cake and candles, it is not
Philippine Birthdays Western Birthdays (Canada)
component of Filipino
considered to be a birthday party in
celebrations; the birthday
the west. They make special efforts
celebrant's relatives or friends
to make sure there is a cake to cut
bring the cake and let him or her
and candles to blow out.
blow out the candles.
The cuisine prepared for birthday At children's birthday celebrations,
celebrations is a specialty of the guests typically eat processed,
Filipino family, and roast pig is sweetened party food. Food is usually
often served, which is a favorite planned and made with a birthday
Food dish of the Filipinos. There are party theme in mind. Adult birthday
also the other foods like cake, celebrations can include a similar
lumpiang shanghai, Filipino style menu, although many will serve the
spaghetti, pancit, palabok, and birthday person's favorite dish for
many more. dinner and afterwards dessert.
Similar to the west, a baby's age A newborn in the west is zero at
Age on
is increased by one year each year birth, and on the anniversary of their
Birthday
after birth. birth, they age one year each year.
The birthday of a person is the
day of their birth. The date of birth is most people's
Some people's birthday shown on birthdays in the west. Because birth
their birth certificate differs from registration changed greatly between
Date of the day they were actually born, the past and the present for certain
Birthday usually in the past. This is older people, the date might be
because registering their child different, but they choose to stick
late carries a penalty, thus some with what the paperwork says to save
moms changed the date to be later time and effort.
in order to meet the deadline.
When to Filipinos often celebrate their In the west, if their birthday falls on a
celebrate birthday on the day of birth, but if weekday, they might have a small
it comes on a weekday—say, a family celebration that evening, but
Wednesday—the birthday their party might take place on the
celebrant may choose to delay the weekend or the best date near their
celebration until the following birthday when they are able to book a
weekend so they can enjoy a trip location or participate in an activity
to the beach or other fun places. they were looking forward to. The
day can be chosen by the birthday
Philippine Birthdays Western Birthdays (Canada)
celebrant, but typically it falls a week
or two after the actual birth date.
Mature Westerners frequently
consider it disrespectful to be asked
This question is commonly asked
their age, especially by total
to adult birthday celebrants in the
strangers. In general, asking someone
Philippines after the birthday
around their birthday is okay,
How old are song has been sung, especially if
especially if they are throwing a party
you? they are already above 50.
and inviting someone to join in the
Nevertheless, when children are
celebration. On the other side,
given this question, they reply
parents are often talking to others
with their age right away.
about their kids and their ages, which
is acceptable.
It is obligatory to bring a card and a
Filipinos enjoy giving and
gift for the birthday celebrant if
receiving gifts, but it's not
someone is invited to a party. The
customary to do so on every
gift should be something that
Gifts birthday; instead, gifts are
they believe the birthday person
traditionally given for significant
would enjoy; but, if they are unsure,
birthdays like a person's first,
they may also choose to offer cash or
seventh, eighteenth, or sixtieth.
a gift card.
Before the birthday celebrant The ‘Happy Birthday Song’ is
blows out the candle, birthday traditionally sung after lighting
songs, especially the "Happy candles on the birthday [Link]
Song
birthday song," are generally birthday person then blows out the
sung. Everyone sings this song, candles after the song is ended,
including the birthday celebrant. making a secret wish as they do so.
Birthday in Japan
Seven Unique Celebrated Japanese Birthday and Milestones
Are Japanese birthdays celebrated the same way as Western birthdays? Yes and no.
Regular birthdays in Japan look similar to those celebrated elsewhere. However, there are
many birthdays in Japan that are considered cultural milestones, and they come with unique
traditions.
In Japan, it’s not one’s date of birth so much as the age that one has reached that holds
significance. Not unlike the “sweet sixteen” tradition in the southern US or the age
15 quinceañera in Latin America, certain ages in Japan are treated as rites of passage. Quite a
few Japanese birthdays have distinct historical and cultural meaning and therefore come with
special ceremonies or fanfare.
History of Japanese Birthday Traditions
A Japanese baby was regarded as being one year old at birth before the 1950s. All
babies grew one year older on New Year’s Day, the most important festival in Japan. After
the 1950s, this communal, group-oriented method of celebrating birthdays was replaced by
the more individualistic western way. Nowadays, a bay in Japan is considered to be age zer at
birth and becomes one year older on their actual birth day.
How do Japanese People Celebrate Birthdays?
A typical Japanese birthday celebration may resemble an American one, however it
may be less extravagant. A birthday cake is present, along with a modest gathering of people
—often only the family. There might be some presents and extra decorations.
Childhood Japanese Birthday Traditions
A baby's chance of surviving to see another orbit of the sun wasn't guaranteed in the
past due to very high infant mortality rates. That's probably why the family started to
celebrate specific achievements as a way to thank the gods for watching over their child's
wellbeing. The significant ages represented by the following childhood milestones are ones
that in Japan have historically been celebrated by families.
7-5-3 Years Old (七五三 Shichi-go-san)
The Japanese lucky digits 7-5-3 are represented by the name Shichi-go-san. A
birthday child or child is carried to the neighborhood shrine on November 15th when they are
three, five, and seven years old. Boys dress in distinctive attire known as hakama or haori,
while girls don kimonos, all decked out in traditional attire. It is customary for Japanese girls
to don an obi, or kimono sash, for the first time, at the age of seven. It seems sense since
shichi-go-san entails a lot of photos being shot to capture the adorable kids.
There are unique ways to denote a long life and good fortune during the shichi-go-san
ritual, which honors the health and longevity of a child. Chitose ame, which translates to
"thousand-year candy," is one specialty that is popular there. With the long rope of candy that
is placed in a bag covered with turtles and cranes, creatures that symbolize longevity, one
hopes for a long life.
Adult Japanese Birthday Traditions
Long Life Celebration Ages (長寿の祝い歳 Chouju no Iwai Doshi)
In Japan, aging is something to celebrate. The Japanese celebrate significant birthdays
at 60, 70, 77, 80, 88, and 120. Like how wedding anniversaries are celebrated in western
cultures, each of the ages has unique colors, symbols, and significance. The majority of these
birthday milestones don’t matter just because they signify a ripe old age; there is more going
on in the background. The zodiac cycle restarts every 60 years, hence the age of 60 is known
as kanreki, a time of rebirth and growth.
Ashley’s Reflection
Most of us enjoy birthday celebrations and are looking forward to the chance to make
a wish. I've read about the variations in how each nation celebrates this kind of occasion. I've
come to the conclusion that, despite the fact that our traditions and views towards birthday
celebrations may differ, what matters most are the laughs, smiles, and memories we shared as
a family. I've also come to appreciate how blessed we are to have our families and friends
join us for our celebration and make it a successful one. We may get older, or birthdays may
get us closer to one of our realities which is death, it still reminds us the beauty of life and
that we must live with the best version of ourselves. The most important thing is that we get
to celebrate our birthday with our love ones and we get to be grateful for another chapter of
our life’s book.
Louisa’s Reflection
Birthdays are one of the most special occasions that are celebrated all over the world.
Different countries mark this day with unique customs that reflect their culture and traditions.
Everyone has that one special day of the year that they look forward to more than any other,
and most of us, it’s our birthday. Birthdays are an important milestone in a person's life, as
they represent not just a single day of celebration but also a time of reflection and growth.
Birthdays represent a time to look back on all the moments, experiences, and relationships
that have shaped who we are today. This day of celebration is a reminder to take stock of how
far we have come and how far we still have to go in our journey of life. We’re often so busy
in our day-to-day lives that we forget to step back and assess how far we’ve come. Birthdays
are a marker of our lives and an opportunity to remember the importance of taking a pause to
appreciate our accomplishments. Birthdays are a reminder of the precious gift of life that
should be cherished and celebrated.
Krizza’s Reflection
I have a pure heart, and as long as I am alive, I shall ride the waves of opportunity. In
end, a birthday is not necessary to feel special and joyful. I'll keep making the decision to
choose happiness every day. Begin with myself, I am aware that I am capable of achieving a
lot as long as I am happy.
Jezreel’s Reflection
Japanese culture is a distinctive synthesis of historical, political, religious, and social
influences that shape the nation's values and society.
Every culture possesses distinctive elements that set it apart from others.
Japan is no exception.
Its culture is based on its fundamental beliefs and customs.
These significantly cause Japanese people to have distinct perspectives on the world due to
linguistic and religious differences.
Japanese culture dictates a particular way of life, social interactions, and cultural and
religious beliefs.
Daverie’s Reflection
Birthdays are a special occasion for everyone who celebrates them. To begin with, it
makes the person feel loved when a close relative does something special for them. Being
loved is one of life's most precious experiences. Second, it helps the person mature. Birthdays
are a special occasion for everyone who celebrates them. For starters, it makes a person feel
loved when a close relative does something special for them. Being loved is one of life's most
precious experiences. Second, it helps the individual mature. Birthdays are a time to
celebrate, reflect on the past year and look forward to the future, and reconnect with friends.
Regardless of our differences in birthday traditions and beliefs, what matters most is our
happiness on that day and our gratitude to God for giving us another day to live in this world.
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