Beech Tree News Network

How many of your birthday parties do you remember? Do you have a favorite birthday party memory? Birthday parties may be simple events or elaborate celebrations.

Some people have unique birthday practices. Many cultures have coming-of-age birthdays (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birthday; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9butante):
•    Jewish boys become bar mitzvah on their 13th birthday. Jewish girls become bat mitzvah on their 12th birthday, or sometimes on their 13th birthday in Reform and Conservative Judaism. This marks the transition where they become obligated in commandments of which they were previously exempted and are counted as part of the community.
•    In some Hispanic countries, as well as in Portuguese-speaking Brazil, a celebration traditionally marks a girl's 15th birthday.
•    In India, Hindu male children of some castes like Brahmins have the 12th or 13th birthday replaced with a grand "thread ceremony." The child takes a blessed thread and wears it, symbolizing his coming of age. This ceremony is practiced amongst boys in the Hindu Brahmin culture.
•    In the Philippines, girls on their 18th birthday or boys on their 21st birthday celebrate a debut.
•    In some Asian countries that follow the Zodiac calendar, there is a tradition of celebrating the 60th birthday.
•    In Japan, there is a Coming of Age Day for all of those who have turned 20 years of age.
•    In Ghana, on their birthday, children wake up to a special treat called "oto" which is a patty made from mashed sweet potato and eggs fried in palm oil, and later they have a birthday party.
•    In India on a child's first birthday, his or her head is shaved while being held by a special fire. Removal of the hair cleanses the child of any evil in past lives, symbolizing a renewal of the soul.
•    The debutante (from the French débutante, "female beginner") is a young lady from an upper class family who has reached the age of maturity and, as a new adult, is introduced to society at a formal "debut" presentation. Historically, such a party could be at any time of the year, but certainly might be scheduled around the debutante’s birthday.

As a child, like many others in my age group, I didn’t have a birthday party each year. But, I had a cake, and sometimes I had a friend or friends spend the night. As an adult, I celebrate my birthdays with my family – whether I want to acknowledge the passing of another year or not. My children and grandchildren also have birthday parties. Many children’s parties have themes or special activities and can be pricey. I often wonder whether the birthday child will remember the party – even with pictures – in years to come.

But, since birthdays recognize another year of God-given life, they are important dates. As Voltaire said, “God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.” So, whether simple or elaborate, birthday parties provide the opportunity to celebrate the life of someone special.