Whether you’re a birthday royalty who enjoys lavish events or a more modest celebrant, there are always plenty of fun things to do on your big day. From laid-back hangouts to adrenaline-filled adventures, here are some of the best ways to celebrate another rotation around the sun.
The word birthday comes from the Latin phrase “annus natalis,” meaning “day of the birth.” It refers to the anniversary of the date of one’s own birth, and is usually a day of celebration and gift-giving.
Throughout most of the world, birthdays are marked by the presentation of a special cake. Often, the cake is decorated with lettering indicating the person’s age, and may be studded with lit candles in the same number as the individual’s age. The person is then asked to make a silent wish before blowing out the candles, and superstition holds that if he or she can successfully do so without letting any of the wax drip, the wish will come true.
A birthday is also a day to remember those who have been important in our lives and give thanks for their love and support. It is also a good time to renew old friendships and to cultivate new ones. As men tend to lose their close male friends as they grow older, birthdays offer an excellent opportunity for them to reestablish bonds with each other.
People have long celebrated their own birthdays, but the modern tradition of a birthday party did not appear until the industrial revolution and improved production techniques made sugary cakes affordable for mass consumption. When the first recorded birthday parties took place, they were generally small gatherings of family and friends at someone’s home.
Whether you’re planning a large or intimate party, there are certain things that must be included in your birthday festivities. You should start by formulating a vision for your event, including your preferred location, guest list and budget. Next, consider the theme and any entertainment you’d like to include. Finally, create a timeline to guide your party-planning efforts and ensure that all the crucial details are ironed out well in advance of your special day.