From Gods to Birthday Cakes: The Fascinating History of Your Birthday Tradition

Blowing out the candles, making a wish and sharing a piece of the birthday cake can seem like an eternal tradition. However, today's birthday cake represents the result of thousands of years of evolving traditions, rituals and developments in the world of baking.

It Started with the Greeks 

One of the oldest legends related to the birthday cakes originates in ancient Greece. The Greeks paid homage to Artemis, the goddess of the moon and believed to offer her round cakes resembling the moon itself. While their circular form could symbolize the moon, some of these offerings could include such sweet ingredients as honey. 

The candles were also part of these offerings. The glowing candles were supposed to represent the light of the moon. It is believed that the smoke released by the extinguished candles would carry prayers and wishes up into the sky.
Nevertheless, there is no proof of a direct link between these ancient offerings and today's tradition of making a wish and blowing out the candles. However, the combination of the round cake and the candles is considered to be one of its predecessors.

Romans and Their Cakes 

The custom took yet another twist amongst the ancient Romans, who used flour, nuts, and honey to make cakes. These cakes were made on the occasion of various events like marriages and particular birthdays. 

But then again, the way people celebrated birthdays back then was quite different from how people celebrate today's children's birthday. Birthday celebrations back then had more to do with men and people of importance. 

Germany Adds Another Twist 

The next big thing in the history of the modern day birthday celebration happened in the 18th century Germany with the advent of Kinderfest. Here children were presented with birthday cakes, having candles according to their ages.
In addition, one extra candle would be added which meant that the person would enjoy yet another good year of his life.

How Did Birthday Cakes Become So Lavish? 

Elaborate cakes were luxury items for many centuries before. Ingredients like refined sugar, special decorations such as icings, and tools were not easily obtainable for average people. 

The industrial revolution changed all that.
Throughout the 19th century, changes in food industry allowed ingredients like sugar and flour to become more available. Tools became more available as well, and bakeries grew in number. 

With cakes becoming more affordable to make, they were gradually shifted from rich people to ordinary people.
And this is how an old custom, starting as ancient offerings to gods and rituals, turned into lavish birthday cakes we have nowadays with candles, wishes and parties.