There are various hypotheses about how this tradition was born. According to one, it all started with the cult of the ancient Iranian god of the sun, Mithras, who was brought to Europe by the wars of the Roman Empire. Some of the traditions of Mithraism and pagan rites, such as ceremonial meals and the exchange of gifts, were the first prototypes of the birthday celebration.

According to another version, birthday celebrations have even more ancient roots. There is evidence that among the wild tribes there were beliefs that, on the day of his appearance in the world, man is especially vulnerable to evil forces and spirits. In order to protect the newborn, the members of the tribe surrounded him at the time of birth and each of them expressed different wishes, because they believed that this would protect him and give him protection. Later, gifts were added to the titles.

When do the candles appear on the cake?

This question is difficult to answer categorically. It is believed that the idea was borrowed from the tradition in ancient Greece to give a birthday cake as a gift with candles.

The purpose was to reach the prayers with his deepest desires through the smoke from the candles to the gods. Probably that's why when we blow out our candles, we wish for something that we want to happen to us.

Do you know where the tradition of Christmas presents comes from?

In fact, they have a symbolic meaning

It turns out that Christmas presents come from Christianity. The tradition is Christianity and is very old. It is connected with the greatest gift that God gives to people - Himself in the person of Christ, and this is also connected with the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

The custom is also associated with the gifts of the sages from the east for the incarnate God - gold, frankincense and myrrh. They have a deep symbolic meaning. Gold symbolizes the kingdom of Jesus.