Celebrating Birthdays
Rituals of Our Lives
I couldn't help but notice a sign on my sister's side board that sits among a myriad of photos of her grandkids. It says, "Grandchildren Complete the Circle of Life."
As we sat down to share the ceremonial birthday cake, I thought of the generations before that celebrated this ritual. Grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren assembled around the table waiting to "make a wish" and blow out the candles. It is always the littlest ones who delight in the lighting of the candles.
Last night was the celebration of my sister Ginny's birthday. She had her grandchildren front and center. Just across the table sat our parents and I couldn't help but notice that their expressions were just as filled with delight as the grandchildren. It is the circle of life.
The tradition of celebrating birthdays goes way back and it appears that the Greeks were the first to adorn cakes with candles. There is a book called, The Lore of Birthdays, (New York, 1952) by Ralph and Adelin Linton, which states the following:
"Birthday greetings and wishes for happiness are an intrinsic part of this holiday. . . . originally the idea was rooted in magic. The working of spells for good and evil is the chief usage of witchcraft. One is especially susceptible to such spells on his birthday, as one's personal spirits are about at the time. . . . Birthday greetings have power for good or ill because one is closer to the spirit world on this day."
Whatever the origin, these birthday celebrations are woven into the rituals of our lives and not surely to disappear anytime soon. We mark them on the calendar, we sing and some of us dance. It is as much a link in the "circle" of our lives as the grandchildren are.
To everyone who celebrates a birthday, young and old, we hope that all of your wishes come true as you blow out your candles.
Sing, dance and celebrate.
Matthew 14:6"But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias's daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him."
Sources:
http://www.amazon.com/Lore-Birthdays-Ralph-Adelin-Linton/dp/B003LMV2KQ
Published by Michele Starkey
Optimist who enjoys writing, laughing and spreading good news. If I have but one life to live, I hope to make mine memorable. My epitaph will read: she lived, she loved, she left. View profile
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40 Comments
Post a CommentSome people don't like birthdays because it means they're a year older. I celebrate each birthday because it means I've made it this far!
A wonderful article.
The circle of life. It makes me smile just to think about that meaning.
Very cool:0)
Beautiful
great one!
Great observations.
Birthday parties are always a happy time. =)
Wow! That is sad but beautiful.
I love birthdays. I think they are special days to be celebrated.