Birthday customs and celebrations

There are many and varied customs associated with the celebration of birthdays around the world.

The birthday cake is traditionally highly decorated, and typically covered with lit candles when presented, the number of candles signifying the age of the celebrant. The person whose birthday it is may make a silent wish and then blow out the candles. It is also common for the person celebrating their birthday to cut the initial piece of the cake as a newlywed couple might with a wedding cake. The birthday boy/girl traditionally gets to eat the first piece of the cake.

In Western cultures, particularly in the United States and Australia, birthday parties are often accompanied by colorful decorations, such as balloons and streamers. A birthday cake is often served with candles that are to be blown out after a "birthday wish" has been made. While the birthday cake is being brought to the table, the lucky song Happy Birthday to You is sung out of tune by the guests. A practice most common among wealthy people and celebrities, but engaged in by many others as well, is to hire an event management agency or a party service to organize a birthday party.

A child's birthday party may be held at his/her home or in a public place. Soft drinks are often had alongside water and both sweet and savory foods are typically served to the guests. In many cultures, a birthday cake is served. Birthday parties for children often feature entertainment, costumes, party games, and a theme. Adults' birthday parties in Western countries are often held in bars or nightclubs. Though some are held at a restaurant or even at home. A birthday party usually includes gifts for the person whose birthday it is. Most people who come to the birthday party are the ones who have the gifts.

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Wikipedia