Brooke Martin
Blowing out birthday candles is a fun tradition that has been around for centuries. While it may seem like a simple routine, the act of extinguishing birthday candles is deeply rooted in history and holds a variety of meanings and superstitions. The tradition is believed to have originated from ancient Greece, where people lit candles as a tribute to the goddess Artemis. Over time, the tradition evolved and was adopted by other cultures, each adding their own unique twist. Today, blowing out birthday candles is a joyous occasion, often accompanied by the Happy Birthday song and wishes for the future. However, with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, some people have become hesitant to blow directly onto the cake, leading to creative alternatives such as using cupcakes or paper plates to separate the candles from the cake. Whether it's a child's first birthday or a teenager's sweet sixteen, blowing out candles on a birthday cake is a cherished tradition that brings laughter, joy, and a touch of magic to celebrations around the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History of Blowing Out Birthday Candles | Ancient Greeks blew out birthday candles as a tribute to Artemis, the goddess of the moon and the hunt. |
| Germans added birthday candles to represent the "light of life" and to make a silent wish. | |
| Romans crafted flat, honeyed cakes with yeast to celebrate the birthdays of prominent figures. | |
| Reasons for Blowing Out Birthday Candles | To honour the gods |
| To ward off evil spirits | |
| To make a wish | |
| To signify the number of years someone has lived | |
| To symbolise hope, guidance, and the journey of life | |
| To keep away bad spirits | |
| Variations of Blowing Out Birthday Candles | Using trick candles that relight due to magnesium |
| Blowing out a separate candle | |
| Using a "smash cake" for children to blow out | |
| Using an upside-down paper plate with candles pushed through | |
| Using a disposable funnel with a tiny filter to remove bacteria and viruses |
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What You'll Learn
The history of blowing out birthday candles
The tradition of blowing out birthday candles has evolved over the years, with roots in ancient customs and beliefs. One theory suggests that the practice originated in ancient Greece, where people would light candles as offerings to various gods and goddesses. Worshippers of Artemis, the goddess of the moon, would bake round cakes resembling the full moon and place candles on them to represent the moon's glow. Blowing out these candles was believed to carry wishes up to the gods.
In the 18th century, the tradition of celebrating birthdays with cakes and candles gained popularity in Germany, then part of the Holy Roman Empire. This custom is attributed to Count Ludwig von Zinzendorf of Marienborn, who, in 1746, had a large cake made with candles representing his age. Kinderfeste, a birthday celebration for children, also included the use of candles, with each candle representing one year of life and an extra "light of life" candle for good fortune. These candles were not blown out immediately but burned throughout the day to ward off evil spirits.
From Germany, the birthday cake tradition spread to other parts of Europe and eventually to the United States, where it evolved further. By the middle of the 19th century, birthday cakes had become common in Western European countries, often featuring multiple layers, icing, and decorations. The Industrial Revolution made these elaborate cakes more accessible to the lower classes.
Today, the tradition of blowing out birthday candles is widespread, with various superstitions and rituals associated with it. People typically make a wish before blowing out the candles, believing that their wish will come true if all the candles are extinguished in one breath. In Mexico, for example, there is a tradition called "La Mordida" where, after blowing out the candles, the birthday person is encouraged to take a bite out of the cake, often resulting in their face being playfully pushed into it.
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The meaning behind blowing out birthday candles
Blowing out birthday candles is a tradition that has been around for a long time. The origins of this custom can be traced back to ancient civilizations.
According to some sources, the tradition of placing candles on birthday cakes can be attributed to the Ancient Greeks, who often burned candles as offerings to their various gods and goddesses. They would bake round cakes to symbolize the moon and place candles on them to represent the moon's reflection. The candles were then blown out, with the smoke carrying their wishes and prayers to the heavens.
Another story suggests that the birthday cake and candle tradition originated in Germany during the Middle Ages. As part of Kinderfest, a celebration honoring children's birthdays, cakes were topped with lighted candles. The number of candles on the cake equaled the child's age, plus an extra candle representing the "light of life" and the years ahead. This tradition was brought to the United States by German immigrants in the 18th century, where it evolved to include wish-making upon blowing out the candles.
The act of blowing out birthday candles holds a special meaning, believed to send wishes to the gods or grant secret wishes for the future. It is also thought to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
The tradition of blowing out birthday candles has evolved over time, with modern-day celebrations adding their own twists, such as reciting verses or singing "Happy Birthday." The ritual has transcended boundaries and become a cherished part of birthday celebrations globally, symbolizing unity, celebration, and the cycle of life.
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Tricks to make blowing out candles funnier
Blowing out birthday candles is a fun tradition, but it can be made even more entertaining with a few tricks! Here are some ideas to make blowing out candles on a birthday cake even funnier:
Use trick candles: Trick candles, also known as magic candles or relighting candles, are a fun way to surprise the birthday boy or girl. These candles are made with magnesium, which reacts with the air and causes the candles to light up again even after being blown out. This can lead to hilarious reactions from the guests, especially those who are unaware of the trick!
Separate candle for blowing: Instead of blowing directly on the cake, you can place the birthday candle on a small separate plate or cupcake. This way, the cake remains untouched and everyone can still enjoy the tradition.
The Original Blow-Out: This innovative device is a disposable funnel with a tiny filter that removes bacteria and viruses from the breath as one blows out the candles. It is a fun and hygienic way to ensure that everyone can safely blow out their birthday candles, especially during times when health and safety are a concern.
"Smash cake": For younger children, a "smash cake" can be a fun and messy way to celebrate their birthday. Instead of blowing out candles on the main cake, the child is given a separate small cake or cupcake to decorate and drool over as they wish. This way, the main cake remains intact, and the child can freely enjoy their special treat.
Upside-down paper plate: For a creative and mess-free solution, carefully push the birthday candles through an upside-down paper plate. Place the plate in front of the birthday boy or girl and light the candles. This way, the cake stays untouched, and the candles can still be blown out with excitement!
With these tricks, blowing out birthday candles becomes a hilarious and memorable experience for everyone involved!
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Alternatives to blowing out candles on a cake
There are many alternatives to blowing out candles on a cake, especially if you are concerned about hygiene or the spread of germs.
One option is to have a separate cupcake for the birthday boy or girl to blow out, while the guests can have their own cupcakes or a larger, communal cake without candles. This way, the tradition is kept alive without the risk of spreading germs to a cake that everyone will eat.
Another option is to use fairy lights, which can be powered by a small battery pack and transported anywhere. This is a safe and creative way to decorate a cake without the use of candles. Similarly, glow sticks can be snapped and stuck into the cake, providing an eerie and impressive glow. Birthday cake sparklers are another fun alternative, though they should be used safely and responsibly.
If you're looking for a simple and decorative alternative, consider using a cake topper. Action figures can be used to create a fun scene, and they can double as a birthday gift. Ribbon is another underrated option, which can be wrapped around the circumference of the cake or used in other creative ways.
For those seeking a unique birthday treat, there are alternatives to the traditional cake. A cookie pizza can be made with chocolate chip cookie dough, baked as a slab or flat round, covered with icing, and cut into slices or squares. It can be served warm with ice cream and chocolate sauce or prepared ahead of time. A sundae bar is another easy option, with various flavours of ice cream and toppings like gummies, sprinkles, sauces, whipped cream, candies, and nuts.
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The number of candles on a birthday cake
An increasingly popular alternative is to use candles shaped like the numerals forming the celebrant's age. In Israel, individuals celebrate their birthdays with a number of candles that matches their age, plus one additional candle representing the following year. This tradition of including an extra candle can also be seen in the Anglosphere and is rooted in Greek and German customs, believed to bring good luck and signify the 'light of life'.
Some people may find it unhygienic to blow directly onto a cake, especially during the COVID pandemic, so alternatives have been suggested. One alternative is to make a small cupcake with a candle for the birthday boy or girl to blow out, separate from the main cake. Another option is to light a single candle with the birthday person's age on it, sing 'Happy Birthday', then remove the candle and have the individual blow it out separately.
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Frequently asked questions
You can have a small cake or cupcake for yourself, covered in candles, and then a big one for everyone else. That way, you can blow out the candles on your own cake without spreading germs!
Blowing out candles is so old-fashioned! Instead, try using a tight copper coil or blowing around a soccer ball to extinguish the flames.
According to Kinderfeste tradition, a wish will come true if a child blows out all the candles in one breath. So take a deep breath and blow as hard as you can!
If you're worried about not being able to blow out the candles, you can try plucking them out and blowing them out in your fingers, one by one. It might look a bit weird, but at least you'll get your wish!
