Birthdays, a fun celebration to congratulate being another year older. A group of your friends and loved ones surrounding you as they present to you cake and presents sounds like a dream come true, but if you really think about it, birthdays seem like a strange ritual.
1. The cake.
Does it seem strange to have this singular item of food for your birthday every year? Why specifically cake? Are there people out there who prefer to have pie on their birthday? What if a person lacks a sweet tooth? What then? Are they given a giant ham with mashed potato frosting instead?
2. "Happy Birthday to...."
Not only do you receive a cake for your birthday but you also get to light it on fire and stare at it awkwardly until it is time to blow out the flames. Your family surrounds you chanting the same song they do every year, a ritual to welcome your growth. When the task is finished everyone claps and moves on to the next ceremony of your birth.
3. Your age.
At a younger age you may not have grasped the concept, but as you get older you start to realize that yeah, you are getting older. Birthdays begin to feel a little morbid as each year is another year closer to your death, but the fun colored cake, presents, and decorations makes you forget about all that stuff, right?
4. The decorations.
If your family goes all out for your celebration then they may have even included decorations to compliment the day. They can range from flyers to confetti. Sometimes you and everyone else may be required to wear a specifically pointed hat on top of their head. Everyone is dressed to the theme of your day, some families more particular than others.
5. Even more traditions.
Depending on the culture, some birthdays are deemed more important than others. There are certain ages where there are even more traditions piled on to symbolize a sort of checkpoint in your life. Some ages come with the opportunity to learn how to control a giant metallic vehicle while others allow you the chance to legally consume a liquid substance that may feel like you are drinking hand sanitizer. Some members even expect you to follow these traditions to the T.
Regardless of the strangeness behind it all, it is your special day. Appreciate the gifts being bought for you and thank your loved ones for taking the time to celebration an entire day dedicated to you being alive. Enjoy the happiness and love and take photos to look back on. Your memories together are precious and you should make the most of it.
