Birthday Parties Around the World

Some traditions are very similar in many parts of the world, but others are more specific to certain countries.

Africa. In some african nations there are initiation ceremonies to celebrate children's birthdays. When children reach a certain designated age, they learn the laws, customs, songs and dances of their tribes.

Argentina. When girls turn 15 they have a huge party and dance the waltz with their father and other boys.

Bolivia. At the age of 16 the birthday girl wears a white dress and dances the waltz with her father and other boys.

Canada. In Quebec the birthday person receives a punch for each year they are alive and then one more for good luck.

China. The birthday person receives a gift of money. Friends and relatives are invited to lunch and noodles are served to wish a long life.

Denmark. A member of the birthday person's family wakes up at sunrise and lights the candles on the birthday cake. There are as many candles as the years of age of the birthday person plus one for good luck. The candles are left burning all day long. After dinner that night then everyone sings the birthday song and the birthday person blows out the candles. If all of the candles are blown out in one try then the wish of the birthday person will come true. Presents are then opened and the party starts.

Hungary. Everyone pulls on the earlobes of the birthday person

India. At school the birthday child gives chocolates to the entire class.

Japan. The birthday child wears entirely new clothes to mark the occasion.

Mexico. The birthday child is blindfolded and hits a piñata until it is cracked open. All the children share the candies inside. They all sing a song called Las Mañanitas.