In the United States, birthdays are celebrated with cakes, balloons, and streamers. There are, of course those of us who choose to make birthdays exceptional by throwing parties with very centralized themes. But the traditional birthday celebrations in some of the world’s other countries are remarkably different. If you think that your last birthday party was one of a kind, take a look at some of these fascinating annual traditions…
India
In India, where Hindu is the most common religion, it is customary for a child celebrating his first birthday to have his head shaved. This act symbolizes the shedding of negative energies associated with past lives. Additionally, the birthday child is adorned in bright clothing and hands out chocolates to all of his schoolmates. The children kneel at their parents’ feet as a sign of respect. And the celebration also includes visiting a shrine for a special prayer.
Korea
This country celebrates the 100th day after a child’s birth. Rice cakes, made with red and black beans, and sweetened with honey are passed out amongst family and friends. As the tradition goes, the more rice cakes handed out, the better. Offering 100 of these cakes signifies that the child will go on to have a long, happy life.
Germany
Women in the United States would perhaps love the birthday tradition following single men (those without girlfriends) who have reached the age of 30. According to custom, these men are made to sweep the steps of City Hall. Upon finishing this task, the birthday “boy’s” friends toss in some more dirt and rubble to ensure that passing females will see him and know that he keeps a clean house. Additionally, for others’ birthdays, a wooden wreath with burning candles is set on the table, with the candles burning all day long.
New Year’s celebrations in the United States are filled with all sorts of exciting traditions. However, in Vietnam the New Year signifies something different. For in Vietnam, New Year’s day is everyone’s birthday. In fact, children celebrate the year and lunar symbol under which they were born, while the parents congratulate them with red envelopes containing what is known as “lucky money.
Ireland
Don’t call Child Protective Services if you happen to attend an Irish child’s birthday celebration. In this country, it is customary to hold the child upside down and “bump” the child on the floor for every years of his/her life (plus one extra “bump”) for good luck. Additionally, men who have reached the age of 21 are given a key to the house; this symbolizes the permission he’s given as an adult male to come and go as he pleases. People in Wales also adhere to this custom.
Denmark
Christmas celebrations in the U.S. and birthday celebration in Denmark are mildly similar in the regard that children awake to find themselves surrounded by presents. While American Christmas traditions find gifts under a tree, children in Denmark find their birthday presents surrounding their bed upon awakening. Moreover, houses in which someone is celebrating a birthday will have a Denmark flag flying outside to symbolize the occasion. Another interesting tradition involves “Pepper Men” and “Pepper Maids.” These fascinating titles are given to single 30 year-old men and women who have never been married; friends even give the guests of honor peppermills to commemorate the day.
