Here Comes Your Birthday!!!

Birthday is a special day for everyone. Granted it might make you feel older after a certain age, but everyone will have fond memories about this day. Even within the same family, each one celebrates his/her birthday in a different manner.

Celebrating your birthday with cakes and candles, which is a western tradition has become a popular way of celebration. But there are different traditions of birthday celebrations around the world. Want to know some of them? Read on!

1.Pull The Ears! - Hungary

In Hungary, the birthday baby better keep their ears safe. Because, on the birthday, their ears will be the main interest for those who wish them. They pull the earlobe of the birthday girl/boy as many times as their age while reciting a rhyme which has the general meaning as "May God bless you so that you live for a long time so that your ears may reach your ankles". For me, the wish seems like a curse. But, it is their tradition. They also don't celebrate their actual birthday in a grand manner. They actually have a day called "naming day" which is based on their name. For example, those named "Rudolf" celebrate their name day on April 17th. Naming day is celebrated with family, friends and classmates/workmates while the actual birthday is celebrated with their immediate family alone.

2.Go sweep the stairs - Germany

Is it your 30th birthday? Are you a single man in Germany? If your answer is yes to both the questions, then don't worry. The Germans have a foolproof plan to change your status on your birthday! You simply have to sweep the stairs of the local church or the town hall to show off your housekeeping skills. Which women wouldn't love a husband who can keep the stairs clean? If you are a child, you get to celebrate your birthday in a different way. You will have no homework or chores on your birthday and will be having a special feast! A rule in Germany is that no one must mention their birthday before the day.

3 Career And Noodles - China

In China, the day of your birth is considered as your first birthday. So, the actual first birthday is the second birthday. Confusing isn't it? Not for them. On the day of the second birthday(the first birthday), the parents will keep symbolic items around the baby and the item they reach for is said to determine the baby's future. The birthday girl or boy gets a plate of long noodles instead of cake which they are supposed to slurp in order to symbolize long life. Depending on the person's gender, some of their birthdays will be ignored. If you are a woman, your 30th, 33rd and 66th birthday will be ignored. If you are a man, your 40th birthday is ignored and you remain 39 for another year.

You know of any different tradtions followed on birthday? Do tell!