Vahana’s Holiday Haven |

While birthdays in themselves are a very special event, there are times in a persons life when we can’t ignore the milestones they have reached.

These birthday parties are usually a little more special and the gifts given tent to be extra special as well. Most of these birthdays are a sort of coming-of-age along with increased privileges and responsibilities.

It starts from the beginning. The 1st birthday is typically where it begins. Normally during a child’s first birthday it is more about the family and friends of the parents as opposed to a party for the child’s friends.

There is one thing and one thing only that announces to everyone it is time for cake, and it is my birthday. The words are simple and everyone who can speak English knows the words, from a toddler to someone who is 100 years old.

Comprised of 4 bars, 16 words each the tune is simple and the meaning is deep.

In fact, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, Happy Birthday is the most popular song in the English Language.

And although it has been translated into many different languages, it is usually sung in English, even in countries that dont speak English as their primary language.

While we typically celebrate birthdays today with cake, treats, family and fun, the history of birthday parties was not always such a jovial occasion. Such is seen in Europe’s history thousands of years ago.

Originally, a person feared their upcoming birthday. It was seen as a fearful experience because people believed bad spirits could harm you on this day.

Birthday parties were devised as a way to keep those spirits away by surrounding yourself with friends and loved ones who often brought small tokens and food to share.

It is commonplace in the US to celebrate our birthday with a beautiful and tasty birthday cake. Although the Greeks were the first to use cakes to celebrate birthdays, they were commonly used to celebrate the birthdays of gods and goddesses.

And the inclusion of candles on a birthday cake is also of Greek origin as the cake to celebrate the birthday of the Greek moon god Artemis was topped with lit candles.

In the middle ages, the English would conceal symbolic items inside the cake. Each item was a prediction for the finder’s future.

Usually items such as gold coins, rings and thimbles were baked into the cake. The birthday cake made its way to Western culture in the mid 19th century and has been an important part of birthday celebrations since.