Birthday cake

Birthday Cake is a cake that is traditionally served at birthday celebrations. The custom of celebrating birthdays with cake dates back to ancient times, and has evolved over the centuries to include a variety of traditions and practices in different cultures around the world.

History

The tradition of birthday cakes can be traced back to ancient Greece, where cakes were made to honor the goddess Artemis. These early cakes were round, to symbolize the moon, and were often topped with candles to mimic the glowing light of the moon. The tradition was later adopted by the Romans, who celebrated birthdays with cake for both people and deities.

In the 18th century, the tradition of birthday cakes became popular in Western Europe, particularly in Germany, where it was customary to celebrate children's birthdays with a cake topped with candles. The number of candles represented the child's age, plus one extra for good luck.

Modern Traditions

Today, birthday cakes are a central part of birthday celebrations in many cultures. They are often decorated with the person's name and age, and may be topped with candles, which the birthday person is traditionally supposed to blow out after making a wish.

In some cultures, it is customary to hide a small item, such as a coin or a thimble, inside the cake. The person who finds the item in their slice is said to receive good luck or a special blessing in the coming year.

Types of Birthday Cake

There are many different types of birthday cake, ranging from simple sponge cakes to elaborate multi-tiered creations. Popular flavors include chocolate, vanilla, and red velvet, and the cake may be filled or topped with a variety of ingredients, such as buttercream, fondant, or fruit.

See Also

• Cake decorating
• Candle
• Birthday