The tradition of birthday parties started in Europe a long time ago. It was feared that evil spirits were particularly attracted to people on their birthdays. To protect them from harm, friends and family would gather and bring good thoughts and wishes. Giving gifts brought even more good cheer toward off the evil spirits. This is how birthday parties began.

At first it was only kings who were recognized as important enough to have a birthday celebration. As time went by, children became included in birthday celebrations. The first children's birthday parties occurred in Germany and were called Kinderfeste.

* Birthday Tradition in Different Countries:

Some traditions are quite similar in many parts of the world; birthday candles which symbolize wishes, birthday games, birthday pinches or taps which ensure good luck for the coming year. Some traditions are more specific to certain countries.

* Africa: Initiation Ceremonies

In various African nations they hold initiation ceremonies for groups of children instead of birthdays. When children reach a certain designated age, they learn the laws, beliefs, customs, songs and dances of their tribes.

* Argentina: Pulls on the earlobe

The birthday child receives a pull on the earlobe for each year they have been alive.

* China: Noodles for lunch

The birthday child pays respect to his/her parents and receives gift of money. Friends and relatives are invited to lunch and noodles are served to wish the birthday child a long life.

* Denmark: Flying flags

A flag is flown outside a window to designate that someone who lives in that house is having a birthday. Presents are placed around the child's bed while they are sleeping so they will see them immediately upon awakening.

* Ecuador: Pink Dress

When a girl turns 15 there is a great celebration and the girl wears a pink dress. The father puts on the birthday girl's first pair of high heels and dances the waltz with her while 14 maids and 14 boys also dance the waltz.