Birthdays, who needs them? Stupid question huh? Isn't it strange how the cycle works. When we are young, birthdays mean lots of toys, cake, ice cream and parties. As we reach the teenage years, it means being able to drive, acne, and scores of other things. By the time my age is reached it means "Hey, I get discounts " as a senior citizen. Unfortunately, we also get the aches and pains that go along with that discount.
As is my usual nosy nature, I did some reading on just how all this hoopla got started and will share a little with you. So sit back, get you a cup of coffee and come along.
Traditions from Around the World:
How Birthdays Came About
Thousands of years ago birthdays were considered a time when the bad spirits as opposed to the good spirits were able to harm you as this day changed a person's life. It was believed that the only way to keep the bad spirits at bay was to have your friends and family around you so that their good wishes and present giving would keep them at bay.
Also noisemakers are thought to be used at parties as a way of scaring away the evil spirits.
The custom of lighting candles originated with people believing that the gods lived in the sky and by lighting candles and torches they were sending a signal or prayer to the gods so they they could be answered. When you blow out the candles and make a wish this is another way of sending a signal and a message.
The birthday Bible story that we know best is about the birth of the Christ in Bethlehem. For nearly 2,000 years since that day, the Christian world has honored this birth. The day we all celebrate, is of course, Christmas.
There are other biblical references to birthday party's. King Pharaoh celebrated his birthday by making a feast for his court followers. That was over 4,000 years ago. The story of King Herod tells that on his birthday he made a supper for his lords, high captains and other special friends in Galilee.
Since I am aware that the mind can't absorb more than the booty can endure, I will finish this rhetoric next year at birthday time.
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2 comments:
Nice post Marbella! Since it was titled "Around the World" I asked Bright-eyes about her experiences.
In Japan, when you are born you are 1 year old. They had a special celebration on the 3rd, 5th and 7th year because these years were sort of a watershed where many children didn't make it to that point. I asked her about presents and cake and candles.
Their equivalent was a favorite meal that the child liked and, since her family was poor, she never got any presents. Even a simple balloon at a fair she really wanted as a small girl, her mother had to painfully tell her no. Which made me kind of sad today, and I want to go back to each of my birthdays and share all the wonderful toys I got with this little girl that liked to sit in a well by herself.
She might not have liked the cap guns and rockets and robots and such, but anyone that would tie a cloth on their back and run out in a hurricane would surely give them a try.
I called and woke up my little birthday girl this morning about 630. She started rattling away, happy to no longer have to say she was 4. Cant seem to slow those birthdays down even with the grAsshopper time stopper.
i love that pic of grace kelly on the bench! thanks.
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