All about Birthdays
Birthday Card
The tradition of sending and receiving greeting cards dates as far back as the Egyptians; however, birthday greeting cards first came into existence just over 100 years ago in the U.K. Today it has been estimated that in excess of 2 billion cards are sent each and every year. Since Egyptian times modern technology has developed and evolved the traditional methods of giving birthday cards, for instance – the creation of electronic birthday cards (commonly known as e-cards) and personalized birthday cards means it is now easier than ever to send that all important birthday card.
Birthday Cake
Today, a birthday party would not be complete without a birthday cake – this tradition is as strong as ever with the variety of birthday cakes widening to include all shapes and sizes as well as characters from the latest hit movie or television show.
However, did you know that way back in the Middle Ages, us U.K folk used to put a variety of symbolic items, including - gold coins, rings, and thimbles - inside their birthday cakes? Find the coin, and you'd be wealthy. Find the thimble, and you'd never marry.
Birthday Party
For theatre fans, the Birthday Party stands as one of Harold Pinter's finest plays. Whereas to your average 10 year old, the birthday party stands as life's main highlight - that is, until next year – a highlight of the year, for sure. It's interesting to note, however, that the history of birthday parties originated in the Middle Ages as a means to fend off evil spirits by gathering friends and family together to wish the celebrant well in their coming year. Eventually, these practices gave rise to the birthday wish and to the giving of birthday presents -traditions that are still seen today.Birthday Party
“Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You” also known as "The Birthday Song," was written by sisters Patti & Mildred Hill. During the creation of this timely tune, little did the sisters know that they would create what the Guinness Book of World Records has announced as "the most popular song ever." The tune originated from a song they had composed in the 1890's, but it was Patti who went on and changed the lyrics as well as copyrighting the song in 1935. That copyright survives to right up until this day and still generates royalties each and every time the song is played on the radio or broadcasted on TV.