by Rosita Mbanjwa
10 min read.
Tell me why you think 'happy birthday cakes' are important for birthday celebrations. Did you know that there is a history associated with the origin of the birthday cake? And how it came about to be an important part of a birthday celebration. A birthday cake is a bread, pastry or dessert that is served to a person on their birthday.
The history of the birthday cake
The ancient Greeks made moon-shaped (round) honey cakes and made offerings to the moon goddess, Artemis. The association of the cake and Greek mythology is that the cake is closely aligned with the seasonal cycle and the celebration of their gods. In the Middle Ages the Germans used cake dough and shaped it in the form of baby Jesus wrapped in a cloth. This was in the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Since then, the tradition has been used in celebration of the births of young children.
The shape of cake
Most cakes are circular, and the roundness symbolises the cyclic life of nature. As per tradition, cakes were made keeping the shape of the moon in mind and the cyclic four seasons of a year. Initially, cakes were round but today they come in different shapes and sizes. So, enjoy as much cake as you'd like :))
Symbol of candles
What is a tasty birthday cake without candles? The Greeks believed that the smoke from the candles carried birthday wishes up to the gods. Another reason was to place candles at the top of the cake as a symbol of beauty and decoration so it would glow like the moon goddess, Artemis.
Nowadays candles are used to represent the number of years a person has lived. A birthday song is sung and the birthday king or queen blows out the candles to make a wish. Remember to blow all your candles out in order to receive your wish. Between you and I, let's keep your wish a secret :)
Birthday cake tradition
What is a birthday celebration without a happy birthday cake? Cake makes an event more enjoyable. It adds flavour to a celebration. People enjoy a delicious mouthwatering chocolate cake that melts in the mouth and a delightful chocolate cake is vital in a birthday celebration.
The advantage of having a cake for a birthday celebration is that it keeps people hanging around for longer. I mean, no one wants to leave without a delicious slice of cake. Birthday celebrations are a chance of showing love for one another, be it a kid or grown up. So it really does not matter whether it is a birthday cake for a child or a 40th birthday cake.
Birthday celebrations differ amongst religions and cultures. Some celebrate with baked sweets but birthday cakes are very popular. Modern cake celebrations have a long pinnacle of different traditions and cultures across the globe. So, after singing, eating, dancing and having fun, a tasty slice of cake is used to keep the atmosphere more energetic and not so boring. So, share a slice of cake with a friend and reminisce about old times.
If you are looking to make your birthday celebration extra-special, then email us at bakesyello@gmail.com today and place your cake order. We always provide excellent freshly baked pastries and cakes for all occasions.
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