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Why Do We
Celebrate Fun Birthdays?
by Martyn Purdy
Apart from the obvious answer
about why we celebrate fun birthdays... have you ever stopped to
think about this age-old tradition?
Birthdays date way back in
history to a time when people originally feared evil spirits.
These evil spirits were thought to be more active on the day of
your birth. Family and friends would gather in a circle around
the birthday person and would chant and sing bringing them
nothing but good thoughts. The giving of gifts was another to
bring even more cheer and goodwill to ward off the evil spirits.
Noisemakers were also
thought to have been used at these parties as another way of
scaring evil spirits away. Torches or candles would be lit
believing they were sending a prayer to the gods and when the
candles were blown out it was thought that the smoke carried
these prayers or wishes into the heavens, where they thought the
gods lived, so they would be granted.
Looking back through history
the only documented birthdays recorded are of kings and other
noble dignitaries. The poorer people and especially children did
not celebrate at all. Historians have explained this, as only
nobility was wealthy enough to be able to afford such an
extravagance as a party.
It is the Germans who have
been given credit for starting to celebrate children's
birthdays. These celebrations were originally called "kinderfeste"
meaning children's festival.
A song called "Good Morning
To You" written by Mildred and Patti in 1893 was almost totally
overlooked until some one changed the words to "Happy Birthday
To You". This little song is now sung in almost every home
somewhere in the world at least once a year.
In today's society, fun
birthdays are eagerly awaited by the young and older generation.
It is a celebration that is now an occasion, not only enjoyed by
family members but friends as well.
Nowadays parties tend to
have a theme attached. They may follow the lines of a character
in history, a children's comic or cartoon character, a picnic in
the park or just a an outing to the zoo.
Giving presents to the
birthday boy or girl is still a tradition. However, in later
years it has also been a tradition to give a small gift known as
party favors, to every party guest as they leave. They usually
consist of a few sweets and a small gift wrapped up in a themed
bag or a container that may have been used for the party itself.
So next time it's your
birthday, you'll know why your celebrating it!!!
http://www.captain-kid-birthday-parties.com
About the Author
Martyn Purdy is the creator of a popular kid birthday party
website. Find a wealth of party themes, games, treats and our
party planner at
http://www.captain-kid-birthday-parties.com |
