My first birthday celebration in a new country with new friends from diverse cultures was a special evening. As we sat around the hot pot cooking vegetables in coconut water and frying small pieces of meat, we discovered that birthday celebrations around the world have been greatly influenced by western practices and traditions. How did we come to celebrate birthdays with cake, candles, cards, gifts and the "Happy Birthday" tune that is sung in many languages?
When did we start these kinds of birthday celebrations in North America?In Laos "Happy Birthday" is sung in English to a slightly different tune and rhythm than is common in North America. The Japanese also sing the "Happy Birthday" song in English. In Madagascar the translation of "Happy Birthday" into Malagasy, one of the two official languages in Madagascar, doesn't fit the rhythm of the song and so it is sung in French.
What insights do you have to share on Birthday traditions and celebrations?
1 comment:
Ah, Wendy it's been ages since I've been to your site. Your birthday celebration looks fun :) I thought of you last week, when I went to Waterton with Rispah and Karen. I'll send pictures soon.
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