Each country has its own birthday traditions. Instead of a Birthday Cake, many Russian children are given a Birthday Pie and rice cakes have found their ways into many different Korean customs and traditions.

The tradition of birthday parties started in Europe a long time ago. It was feared that evil spirits were particularly attracted to people on their birthdays. To protect them from harm, friends and family would to come be with the birthday person and bring good thoughts and wishes. Giving gifts brought even more good cheer to ward off the evil spirits. This is how birthday parties began.

Birthday Traditions

Canada - Greasing the nose with butter or margarine. In Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland) the birthday child is ambushed and their nose is greased for good luck.

China - Noodles for Lunch. The birthday child pays respect to his/her parents and receives a gift of money. Friends and relatives are invited to lunch and noodles are served to wish the birthday child a long life.

England - Fortune Telling Cakes and Bumps. Certain symbolic objects are mixed into the birthday cake as it being prepared. If your piece of cake has a coin in it, then you will be rich.

Ireland - Birthday Bumps. The birthday child is lifted upside down and "bumped" on the floor for good luck.

Italy - Pulling ears. The child's ears are pulled as many times as how old they are turning.

Japanese birthdays - New Clothes. The birthday child wears entirely new clothes to mark the occasion and certain birthdays in Japan are more important than others (the 3rd, 5th, and 7th).

New Zealand - Birthday claps. After the birthday cake is lit, the happy birthday song is sung loudly and often out of tune and then the person birthday person receives a clap for each year they have been alive and then one for good luck.

Philippines - Mixture of East and West. Birthday cakes are baked in various sizes and shapes.

United States - Cake, candles and song. A cake is made, and candles are put on top based on how old the person is.

Germany - On a child's birthday the dining table will have a special wooden birthday wreath placed on it.

Types of Birthday Celebrations

Celebrate one more year of a precious life with a memorable birthday party! We've got everything to make it perfect - from decorations and favors to gifts and theme ideas.

Does your special Birthday Guest have Hollywood Dreams, or do they picture themselves in a rodeo? Or on the golf course? Choose from one of our unique birthday themes for a party to remember!

History of birthday traditions

The large-scale celebration of birthdays in Europe is believed to have its origin with the cult of Mithras, a Persian god that was adopted by the Roman soldiers.

Birthday celebrations were rare during the Middle Ages because of Christianity. They saw a resurgence with the Renaissance.

Even today, the celebration of birthdays is not universal in the West. For example, in most English-speaking countries it is traditional to sing the song Happy Birthday, but untill recent times, this was not very common in other countries.

Some Birthday FAQ

• Do I have to invite everyone in my child's list?
  No. But you should try to be discreet about it. Assemble the guest list with your child; she'll have a good idea of whom to invite.
• We "should" invite more kids than I can handle at the party. What should I do?
  Plan a playdate or outing at another time with different groups of kids. For example, if your first-grader has friends from school and a soccer team, plus a few cousins, limit the party to the school friends and family, then plan an outing to a pizza parlor or sporting event with the team for a separate day.
• Can I call people who don't RSVP to find out if they're coming?
  Absolutely. Don't let others' bad manners spoil your party.
• How do I make sure my child is gracious to the guests?
  Start by setting the tone when you begin to plan the party. If you emphasize the importance of guest enjoyment from the beginning, your child will be more likely to recognize her role as host.
• Are thank-you notes necessary?
  Absolutely. It teaches responsibility, politeness, and consideration for others, as well as gives your child an excellent writing and creativity exercise.
• I'm accompanying my child to a party. What should I do when I'm there?
  Let the host set the tone. Offer to help, but if she says no, leave her alone. If she doesn't give you specific directions, act as a helpful - yet unobtrusive - chaperone.

How to Say Happy Birthday in Any Language?

• Albanian - Urime ditelindjen!
• Bengali (Bangladesh/India) - Shuvo Jonmodin!
• Bicol (Philippines) - Maogmang Pagkamundag!
• Chinese-Cantonese - Sun Yat Fai Lok!
• Chinese Fuzhou - San Ni Kuai Lo!
• Chinese-Mandarin - qu ni sheng er kuai le
• Croatian - Sretan Rodendan!
• Czech - Vsechno nejlepsi k Tvym narozeninam!
• Danish - Tillykke med fodselsdagen!
• English - Happy Birthday!
• French (Canada) - Bonne Fete! ou Bon anniversaire
• Italian - Buon Compleanno!
• Pinoy (Philippines) - Maligayang kaarawan sa iyo!
• Spanish - Feliz Cumpleaños!
• Turkish - Dogum gunun kutlu olsun!
• Ukrainian - Mnohiya lita! or Z dnem narodjennia!
• Zulu (South Afican) - Ilanga elimndandi kuwe!