When you think of birthdays you might think of cake, candles, and children. However, not everywhere in the world celebrates in the same way. What do birthday celebrations around the world look like?
Canada
Canada is fairly similar to the UK with its traditions. Blowing out candles on a cake to make a wish and being sent birthday cards are important parts of the celebrations. However, certain parts of Canada do things slightly differently. They grease the childās nose for good luck. The child is meant to be too slippery for bad luck to catch them. Also, in some Canadian birthday cakes youāll find a coin hidden in the sponge. The first person to find it gets to play the party games first.
Brazil
Birthdays are big in Brazil. Did you know there are specific venues – buffet infantil – which are specifically designed to host childrenās birthday parties? These lavish events are attended by entire families and arenāt just for kids. Theyāre not complete without a table piled high with desserts and sweets. The cake is the centrepiece of all these confectionery goodies. The birthday child is given the first piece but they donāt keep it for themselves. Instead, they offer it to the most important person in their life, which is usually their mum or dad.
Vietnam
In Vietnam celebrating the first birthday of a child is very important as it marks them becoming a real member of the family. Itās called Thoi Noi and originated in China. It involves the family thanking the gods and their ancestors for supporting their child. Preparations for the first birthday can happen months in advance and involves food, clothes, and decorations. Thoi Noi is a chance for friends and family to wish all their best for the child.
Jamaica
In Jamaica, itās tradition that on a personās birthday – no matter their age – for them to be covered in flour. Itās either an organised moment or the birthday boy or girl is ambushed and taken by complete surprise. Some people have water thrown on them beforehand to make sure the flour really sticks on to them. The tradition started as a schoolboy prank but grew in popularity across the Caribbean. You can see Usain Bolt got floured.
Birthday celebrations are a wonderful time to celebrate a personās life. Itās so interesting to see how people across the world mark them in different ways. Whatās your favourite birthday tradition?