A birthday isn’t complete without a cake. But have you ever wondered where this tradition came from?
In the 1700’s German children were greeted on their birthday with cakes that had multiple layers, icing, and decorations. These cakes were often shaped to look like the moon and had candles that were lit to make them glow.
Origin
The history of Birthday cake starts in Ancient Egypt, where cakes were used as unburnt or bloodless sacrifices to deities, kings, and heroes. This tradition was taken up by the Greeks, who offered cakes shaped like the moon to Artemis, goddess of hunting and the moon. They adorned these cakes with lit candles, to make them glow and shine like the moon, in honor of the goddess.
The modern practice of placing lighted candles on a cake for one’s birthday is believed to have originated in Germany in the 1700s, when Kinderfesten, birthday celebrations for children, became popular. These cakes would have a candle for each year of the child’s life, and an extra candle to represent the year to come. The custom grew to include blowing out the candles, to symbolize one’s wishes for the future.
Many products now boast Birthday cake-flavored ingredients, such as ice cream, Oreo cookies, candy bars, and even vodka and energy drinks. These flavors are derived from the chemical diacetyl, which is produced during alcoholic fermentation and is also found in microwavable popcorn, margarine, and butterscotch candies. It offers a distinct flavor similar to that of buttercream, which is the main ingredient in most birthday cake-flavored foods. Blogger Peg Aloi has described it as “the Axe Body Spray of food flavoring,” while Louisville-based chef Jonathan Exum has said that it is reminiscent of cheap frosted doughnuts.
Symbolism
Putting candles on a birthday cake is a symbolic act that has deep roots in ancient civilizations. One theory is that the Greeks used to offer round cakes to Artemis, the moon goddess, and put candles on top to honor her. They believed that the smoke from the candles carried their wishes and prayers to the gods. Today, the tradition of blowing out the candles on a birthday cake is a way to celebrate the special day and make a wish for the year ahead.
The circular shape of the cake symbolizes the cyclical nature of life. It also signifies the hope that each new year will bring better things. The number of candles on the cake is an important part of the celebration because it represents how many years a person has lived. The person blowing out the candles must take a big breath to complete the ritual.
In ancient Egypt, the pharaohs were believed to be gods, so it was important to commemorate their coronation. They used to serve a royal cake made of grain and sweets at their birthday celebrations. The modern birthday cake is a tasty symbol of celebration and indulgence. It brings people together, adds a touch of magic to the occasion, and serves as a tangible expression of love. It is no wonder that so many of us love it so much!
Social impact
When a cake is served, it can bring people together to celebrate a special occasion. It is a symbol of celebration and is associated with special memories and positive emotions. In addition, the ritual of blowing out the candles on a birthday cake can reinforce the sense of tradition and community. It can also be a way to make a wish and contribute to a sense of hope and optimism.
The social impact of Birthday Cake is that it teaches individuals to value themselves and their bodies by making them feel important and recognized on their special day. In addition, the act of eating a piece of Birthday Cake reinforces the idea that a person is worthy of love and care. This can help people to develop healthy self-esteem and foster a sense of community.
Another social aspect of Birthday Cake is that it demonstrates the importance of food in society. Many people associate Birthday Cake with childhood, and it can be a way to connect with friends and family. The popularity of this dessert shows that food is an integral part of our lives.
In 2019, Kit Kat released a limited-edition version of its iconic chocolate bar in the shape of a birthday cake. This was a way to celebrate the birthdays of children who are impacted by poverty, violence, or sexual abuse. The birthday cakes in these programs are often a rare treat and can make the children feel loved and valued.
History
One of the most important days for a child is their birthday. They get presents, eat their favorite food and make wishes while blowing out the candles on their cake. But where did this tradition start?
The earliest records of birthday cakes are from ancient Egypt and Greece. During this time, these types of desserts were reserved for the wealthy upper class due to the expensive ingredients. During the 17th century, these cakes became more elaborate with details like icing and decorations. However, they still remained expensive.
In the 1880’s, the custom of a person’s name being written on a cake began to emerge in America. This was a popular decoration because people were no longer using traditional candle holders and wanted something more modern.
While the birthday cake has become a common part of western celebrations, many cultures around the world still use other types of pastries for special occasions. These cakes are typically baked in the shape of a person’s age, and some include lit candles to represent each year of life.
The modern practice of blowing out the candles on a cake is believed to have started in Ancient Greece as a way to honor Artemis, the moon goddess. They began to make circular cakes, then decorated them with candles that glowed to resemble the moon. The ancients believed that their prayers were carried to heaven through the smoke of the candles.