Birthday Traditions in Different Countries |
England Certain symbolic objects are mixed into the birthday cake as it's being prepared. If your piece of cake has a coin in it, then you will be rich. Also, when it's your birthday, your friends give you the "bumps". They lift you in the air by your hands and feet and raise you up and down to the floor; one for each year you lived, then another one or two for luck. |
Denmark A flag is flown outside a window to show that someone who lives in that house is having a birthday. Presents are placed around the child's bed while he/she is sleeping, so he/she will see them at once upon awakening. |
Holland Special year birthdays such as 5, 10, 15, 20, 21 are called "crown" years. The birthday child receives an especially large gift on a crown year birthday. The family also decorates the birthday child's chair at the dining room table with flowers, paper streamers and balloons. |
Canada The birthday child's nose is greased(涂抹) with butter for good luck. The greased nose makes the child too slippery for bad luck to catch him/her. In some parts of Canada, the birthday person even receives a punch (一拳) for each year he/she is alive and then one for good luck. |
Brazil The birthday child receives a pull on the ear for each year he/she has been alive. The birthday person also gives the first piece of cake to his/her most special friend or relative, usually mom or dad. |
Korea There is a big family party on the first birthday. The table is set with food, and four items: a pencil, a ruler, thread, and money. The item that the baby chooses is said to forecast his/her future: excellent student, good with hands, long life or riches. |
South Africa On the twenty-first birthday, a key made of anything from paper to silver to gold is presented by the parents as a sign that the child is ready to unlock the door to their future. |
