Have you ever wondered what the symbolism of blowing out the candles on a birthday cake is? How did this custom come about and what does it symbolize?
It is a centuries-old custom, the symbolism will surprise you! Where exactly this tradition originated is unknown, so there are several theories.
This tradition is known to have existed in some form in the time of ancient Greece and that it has its roots in mythology. It is believed that every month people celebrated the goddess Arethemida and brought something like a round cake decorated with lighted candles to the temple in her honor.
Lighted candles symbolically shone like the Moon, which is associated with the goddess Artemis. The round shape of the cake symbolized the Moon.
According to another theory, the smoke is said to have magical powers. The smoke from the candle was said to carry our prayers to heaven, which could in some way be the basis of the candle blowing tradition as we know it today.
Children always enjoy blowing, and of course adults too. Photo: Ivan Samkov / PexelsBirthday cakes were also used the ancient Romans. The first recorded birthday celebration according to today's model was in Germany in the 18th century.
Count Ludwig von Zinzindorf celebrated his birthday with an extravagant festival, with a huge cake in which a candle was stuck for each year of his life and one in the middle. They believed that the candle on the cake was a symbol of the light of life.
The tradition of blowing out the candles on the cake has been preserved to this day. Whether you believe in this symbolism or not, blowing out candles is something you do children rejoice and sincerely enjoy it.
Candles on the cake have a special meaning for the development of the child, for the development of imagination.
