If you enjoy learning about different cultures, here are some of the most fascinating rituals surrounding the birthday!
To honor their loved ones on their special day, countless people all around the world sing the classic "Happy Birthday" tune. The "happy birthday" anthem is indeed among the most widely translated pieces of music in the world. A birthday celebration in any country will follow the same basic pattern thanks to this timeless tune: Happy Birthday is sung by everyone gathered around the cake as the celebrant blows out the candle and slices into the cake.
Having elders bless the day
As a traditional first act of the day, the birthday boy or girl in India will often touch the feet of their parents, grandparents, and any other elders in the home. The elders pray for the well-being of the younger generation and wish them health, money, and success while the latter touches their feet.
Having elders give you clothes
As the youngster kneels to kiss his or her parents' and grandparents' feet, well-wishers present him or her with new garments. Some families have the birthday person wear brand new garments with a pinch of turmeric sewn into the inner collar and hang it in the puja room on the night just before the big day. After the grownups have given their best wishes to the child, they will give him or her the new clothing that has been anointed by the diving God.
A trip to the temple
On special occasions like the New Year, a birthday, or Diwali, it is traditional to pay a visit to a temple. Most families take their infants to the temple first thing in the morning, dressed in their best. To pray for the birthday person's health and prosperity in the future year, rituals are held that are unique to that nakshatra.
Lighting candles
It's bad luck to use up all the candles at once. As a result, it is customary for an older family member to hold 1 candle apart from the others while the birthday child blows out the others. The flame of this candle is being allowed to burn to its zenith. Many households, however, forego this tradition and instead let their young children blow their cheeks off.
Serving cake
Get plenty of food before the birthday cake is sliced. After the cake has been sliced, it is customary to serve each party visitor a slice with your bare hands. As a token of appreciation, each visitor will personally serve you a bite of cake. You'll eat so much cake that you'll probably feel sick by the end.
Cooking a feast
When it's your birthday, you deserve to be treated like a queen. Indian parents are experts at showering their children with attention on their birthdays, and they do it by cooking all of their favorite foods throughout the day. Indian children's birthday parties typically feature traditional fares like Kesari, mithai, biryani, and an abundance of desserts.
Distributing candy
Except for the unfortunate children whose birthdays occurred on school vacation, this was an event that every kid looked forward to. School uniforms are required attire for students in India. Children are only permitted to wear "color dress," or ordinary clothing, on rare occasions. Children should not dress up for their birthdays, unlike on other occasions like Diwali, Children's Day, and Christmas.
