Kids birthday parties are celebrated around the whole world in their own ways. Have you ever thought about what another parent might be doing for their child’s birthday on the same day some other place in the world? Cultures are unique that is why the word exists. It is pretty neat to hear what they do in other countries for birthdays.
What is even more interesting is how some of what we do is the same. Some celebrate with themes, or eat food, have family and friends over. It seems to still be a celebration of that person. Then there are things that differ, here are a few examples.
In the United States and numerous additional parts of the globe, it’s common to throw the celebration at home, with decorations and party favors. There is always a cake, usually ice-cream. Some times there is even food served or snacks. Entertaining games are also played by the guests. This is all for the sake of a fun day with the birthday person.
This is similar throughout the Western world and is a very important day for any kid, no matter where they are from.
In Great Britain…
birthday celebrations are practiced in thier homes while they serve food and drinks for the guests. Another part of their tradition is sending cards to the birthday celebrant. This custom is one that started more than a century ago.
In Egypt…
the kids birthdays are typically observed with song and dance. They use decor that are made with all sorts of flowers and fruits. The flowers and friuts symbolize the childs growth.
In Israel…
they invite friends and family even neighbors and serve them food. (Food seems to be a common thread around the world) The main part of the celebration is where the birthday person sits on a beautifully decorated chair (usually with fresh flowers), and the invitees surround the chair providing wishes and prayers to the special child.
In Ireland…
kind of different but it seems like it fits. The child gets pushed to the floor gently onto the floor of their house by family and friends on their special day. That kind of reminds me of how we use the birthday spanking thing. One for every year old they are, that is from my generation for sure, all in fun of course.
The Danish…
Show their love for their nation as well, with pride they ascend their county’s flag on the outside of thier home if there is a birthday there
In Russia…
they do pretty much the same thing we do in the U.S. They have a party with family and friends, they enjoy each other as they celebrate the special birthday person. Some thing they do different is instead of a birthday cake they have a birthday pie.
In China…
the mother and father give the child money. Then the child in return the child pays respect to the parents. Guests come over for food, and noodles are dished up. Noodles represent productivity and long life. Seems very appropriate for China.
In India…
the youngster is lavished with a dress full of color. Chocolates are a major part of this day as well. They ornament their dwelling with balloons and confetti. On a day where they must go to school the birthday child gets to wear very fancy apparel and hands out chocolates to other kids from school.
In Africa…
there’s a tribe in Ghana that observe their child’s birth on the day of the week they were birthed. They refer to it as Krada which means ‘soul day’. This is their style of dedicating a tribute to the creator for granting them the present of a baby. ‘Soul Day’ means another soul has been added to their family.
Most tribes or communities don’t honor their child’s birthdays. The most celebrated event for the children is when the boys come into manhood. The kids through rituals are brought into manhood with the company of their tribe.
It is definitely interesting to hear what other families do around the world. If you are very interested in one of these different cultures or it is part of you heritage, you might consider a deeper research on one in particular. It might be a really neat way to change up a party one year.
It might also be neat to educate your child and all the guests about another culture, and change it up. Talk about it with your child and see what they think, their input is usually more helpful then you would think. Maybe you can incorporate bits and pieces, it is up to you, but I encourage you to think out of the box!
