Written by Karan Sharma August 25, 2025
Blowing out candles on a cake is a global tradition, but its origins are ancient & mystical. Discover how it started in Greece & evolved in medieval Germany.
The tradition of celebrating birthdays with candles and cake has ancient roots, not modern ones.
The ritual of lighting candles originates from Ancient Greece.
Greeks would bring candles to the temple of Artemis, goddess of the hunt and the moon.
The glowing candles were meant to mimic the moon's radiance and honor the goddess.
The smoke from blown-out candles was believed to carry prayers to the gods.
The modern custom of a birthday cake with candles began in 18th-century Germany.
In medieval Germany, a special celebration called "Kinderfest" was held for children.
On their birthday, a child would receive a cake adorned with lit candles. These candles burned all day and were blown out in the evening with a wish.
This German tradition combined with the Greek belief in smoke carrying wishes, creating the global custom we know today.