The Birth of the Birthday Candle

The time we were children we have hovered over our birthday cake and stared into the glow of flickering candles. Full of anticipation, we know our yearly wish is not complete until we lean over and blow them out. Some play nice while others, at the guidance of loved ones, make us try numerous times before transporting our wish. From traditional to trickster, every year candles provide our birthday glow with each luminous flame honoring a year in our lives. But have you ever wondered, when is the birthday candles birthday?
The origin of the birthday candle can be traced back to early Greeks who would place candles on cakes they would offer to Artemis, the Goddess of the Moon. It is said that the candles made the cakes glow like that of a full moon against the night sky.
The Germans also placed candles on cakes in the 18th century for childrens birthday celebrations called Kinderfest. At the time, tradition was to place one candle for each year of an individuals life with additional candles representing years to come. Sometimes a single candle was placed in the center of the cake to represent the light of life. This candle had twelve numbers and lines down its side and was re-lit every year.
Scholars allege that the tradition of placing candles on cakes originated from the belief that gods lived in the sky. People felt the flame of the candle would send signals to the gods and in return, their prayers would be answered. In addition, the smoke formed from the act of blowing out the candle was thought to carry their wishes up to heaven.
Today, we have our own unique tradition. As we place our secretive birthday wish, we are careful to blow all the candles out in one breath so it comes true. Throughout history, candles on a birthday cake have symbolized good health and luck for the upcoming year. So, the next time you make your birthday wish, you can rest easy in the knowledge that years of tradition are working in your favor.
by Vanessa A. Lujan