Why do people eat cake on their birthdays?
The origin and development of the birthday cake
When it comes to birthdays, a birthday cake is an essential part.
The fluffy sponge, sweet cream, and the moment of blowing out the candles are some of the special memories for many people.
But when and where did this birthday cake originate, and how did it spread around the world?
■ Origin of the birthday cake: Ancient Greek theory
The custom of preparing a special cake for birthdays is said to have roots that go back to ancient Greece.
The Greeks baked round cakes made with honey and flour and topped them with candles as an offering to Artemis, the moon goddess.
The candle flame symbolizes the light of the moon, and it is said that there was a ritual in which the candle would be blown out while making a wish.
It is believed that this custom was one of the origins of modern birthday cakes.
■ The custom of birthday cakes spread in medieval Europe
In medieval Europe, the custom of celebrating birthdays was limited to aristocrats and royalty, but in Germany in particular there was an event called "Kinderfest" to celebrate children's birthdays.
This event has become known as a celebration of sweet pancake-like treats and lighting candles.
As sugar became more widely available in the 17th and 18th centuries, sponge cake as we know it today gradually came to be used for birthdays.
At the time, it was still a luxury item, but after the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, ingredients became cheaper and the culture of birthday cakes spread to ordinary households.
■The origin of the custom of blowing out candles
When it comes to birthday cakes, the custom is to light a candle, make a wish, and then blow on it to put out the flame.
There are various theories about the origin of this custom, but one is that it is related to the ancient Greek belief in Artemis. It is also said that at Kinderfest in Germany, on a child's birthday, they lit a candle for each child's age and blew out the candles, believing that their wish would come true.
■ The establishment of birthday cake culture in Japan
It is believed that birthday cakes became popular in Japan after the Meiji period.
Western confectionery culture really took root after the war, and especially from the 1950s onwards, shortcake became the standard birthday cake in Japan.
This style of fluffy sponge topped with plenty of fresh cream and strawberries has created a birthday cake culture that is unique to Japan.
■ The future of birthday cakes
In recent years, a variety of styles of birthday cakes have appeared, such as decorated cakes featuring characters, ice cream cakes, and tarts filled with fruit.
Additionally, with the rise in health consciousness, gluten-free and vegan birthday cakes are also becoming more popular.
Birthday cakes have changed with the times and cultures, but they continue to be loved around the world as a symbol of celebrating special days. For your next birthday, why not enjoy a sweet moment while thinking about the history of cake?
・List of recommended cakes for birthdays from BEYOND SWEETS>>
BEYOND SWEETS: A store specializing in healthy sweets
[Three categories of BEYOND SWEETS]
■BEYOND1 Beauty and Diet>>
■BEYOND2 Medical Sports>>
■BEYOND3 Allergy Friendly>>
