Do you really know? Why do we blow out candles on birthdays?
Oct 9, 2025
Explore the ancient origins of birthday cake traditions, from Greek moon cakes honoring Artemis to medieval debates on birthdays versus saint days. Discover the quirky Kinderfest celebration from 13th-century Germany, where candles reflected age and life. Uncover the reasons behind making wishes when blowing out candles—rooted in ancient beliefs. Finally, find out if your birthday breath poses a germ risk after blowing out candles, based on a revealing 2017 study. It's a fun dive into a beloved tradition!
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Origin In Ancient Greek Temple Rituals
- The birthday cake with candles traces back to ancient Greek offerings to Artemis using a round pastry called amylos.
- Candles symbolised the moon and were lit at temples while worshippers blew them out as part of the ritual.
Medieval Suppression Of Birthdays
- Birthday celebrations faded in the Middle Ages because the Catholic Church associated birth with original sin.
- Saint days were preferred for observance until birthdays resurfaced centuries later.
Kinderfest Revives Candle Tradition
- German Kinderfest revived birthday celebrations in the 13th century with cakes and candles for children.
- They used one candle per year plus an extra representing life and the child blew them out at dinner.