Birthday

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Forêt-noire - 2

One year baby is playing with birthday balloons

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90. rođendan - torta

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Child with Snow White cake 1910-1940

Dol

Birthday refers to the anniversary of the day on which a person was born. Traditionally, birthdays are celebrated in numerous cultures, often with a gift-giving, party, or a special ritual that marks the passage of another year for the individual. The celebration of a birthday can vary significantly across different cultures and religions.

History

The custom of celebrating birthdays has ancient origins. In early civilizations, such as those in Egypt and the Greco-Roman world, birthdays were celebrated mainly for royalty and deities. The Egyptians commemorated the birth of their pharaohs, which was seen more as a coronation day, marking their transformation into gods. The Romans were known to celebrate the birthdays of their emperors with public festivals and games. The notion of celebrating the birthday of the common person did not become widespread until much later, with the spread of Christianity, which initially rejected birthday celebrations as pagan customs.

Cultural Variations

Different cultures have unique traditions associated with birthday celebrations. For example, in many Western cultures, it is common to have a birthday party with cake, candles, and the singing of the "Happy Birthday" song. In contrast, in some East Asian cultures, the person celebrating their birthday may eat noodles to symbolize longevity.

In addition to personal celebrations, some cultures observe the birthdays of historical figures, religious leaders, or national heroes with public holidays. For instance, Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States marks the birthday of the civil rights leader.

Legal and Social Significance

Beyond the personal joy of celebrating a birthday, the date of birth has legal and social significance in many societies. It is used to determine a person's age, which can affect their eligibility for certain rights, responsibilities, and services. These can include the right to vote, the age of consent, driving privileges, and eligibility for retirement benefits.

Astrology

In astrology, a person's birthday is crucial for casting a horoscope, as it determines the person's sun sign. This is believed by some to influence their personality and fate, although such beliefs are not supported by scientific evidence.

Psychological Aspects

Psychologists have studied the significance of birthdays, noting that they can evoke a range of emotions, from joy and excitement to anxiety and reflection. The attention and celebration from others can boost an individual's self-esteem and sense of belonging. However, birthdays can also prompt self-reflection and evaluation of life achievements, sometimes leading to a birthday blues phenomenon, especially on milestone birthdays.

Modern Celebrations

Today, birthdays are celebrated with various traditions, including parties, special meals, and rituals of passage. The giving of birthday cards, a tradition that began in England in the 19th century, remains popular. In the digital age, it is also common to receive birthday wishes through social media platforms.