Regardless of cultural differences, birthday cakes serve as a sweet finale to a passing age. Whether it’s blowing out candles, making a wish, or simply sharing a slice with loved ones, the history of birthday cake transcends borders. It is a universal symbol of happiness that we all know and love. Here, we explore why we celebrate birthdays with cake, the history of birthday cake, and why candles are an essential part of the special moment.
The History of Birthday Cake
Birthday cakes haven’t always been what they are today. Back in the day, sugar was thought of as gold dust and was very expensive. Which meant only the very wealthy could afford it.
During the Industrial Revolution, cakes became more elaborate, with details like icing, layered structures, and decorative touches growing in popularity. By the 18th century, advancements in food production and the affordability of baking ingredients made cake-making more accessible to the public. As prices dropped and production increased, cakes became a staple at birthday celebrations for more families.
Today, we enjoy an incredible variety of cake designs for birthdays, anniversaries, and religious holidays. Whether baking from scratch or purchasing professionally crafted creations, celebrating with cake has never been easier.
Why Do We Eat Birthday Cake?
The history of birthday cake dates back to the ancient Egyptians. It was believed that pharaohs became gods when they were crowned. Their coronations were considered to be the “birth” which was celebrated with food, drinks, and festivities.
For the citizens of Egypt, “Khak” cookies were also commonly served on their birthdays to honor the sun god, Ra, symbolizing another successful year around the sun. The cookies are mild in flavor, consisting of flour, butter, sugar, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, and milk. The Khak cookies are still commonly used to this day.
The Greeks later adopted this tradition and added a cake to the celebration. They would create a moon-shaped cake, decorate it with candles, and present it as an offering. Once the candles were lit, they were signified as they were shining up at the moon.
Cakes were also common birthday celebratory foods in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. Ancient Romans typically served cakes at birthdays and weddings. The circle cakes were made from flour, nuts, leavened yeast, and honey. Honey is what provides the sweet flavor for these cakes.
The History of Birthday Cake and Candles
In Ancient Greece, worshippers brought cakes to the temple of Artemis, the goddess of the moon and the hunt. The cakes were decorated with lit candles in order to make them glow like the moon.
Now, the number of candles on a birthday cake represents and celebrates how old you become on your birthday. However, when we date back to the Greeks, blowing out candles on a birthday cake meant more than just a number. When the person blows out all their candles, in a single breath, the smoke carries their wishes to god, in order for them to come true.
Birthday Cake Traditions Around the World
Birthdays have been celebrated around the globe for thousands of years. Each culture has unique traditions and baked goods to make birthday celebrations memorable and fun.
In the early 1400s, German bakeries first started selling sweet cakes, specifically marketed for birthday parties of young children. The birthday parties were referred to as Kinderfest and the cakes were called Geburtstagorten.
Candles were also used as a decoration for the cake during this time. The candles totaled the child’s years in age plus one, to represent hope for another healthy year. In Switzerland in 1881, the first account of blowing out candles is recorded. The candles on birthday cakes each represented a year of life and were blown out one by one.
In China, peach cakes represent longevity and prosperity. In Australia, pavlovas adorned with fresh berries embody the country’s love for fresh ingredients. These symbolic cakes carry meaning beyond their ingredients, embodying values cherished by each culture.
Sending Birthday Cake as a Gift
Cakes and celebrations go hand in hand. We keep saying it but it’s true: You simply can’t go wrong with a cake. Not only do they make fantastic surprise presents, they’re always good ones!
Unexpected surprises in cake form will create a memorable experience for both the giver and the receiver. Sharing the cake with loved ones in the room – they’re priceless moments that linger long after the occasion has passed.
Sending Birthday Cake Internationally to Other Countries
Sending a birthday cake internationally is easier than you might think! Whether you’re celebrating a loved one across the globe or surprising a colleague abroad, logistics and customs don’t have to stand in the way. Learn everything you need to know in The Ultimate Guide to Sending Birthday Cakes Internationally.
Where to Find the Perfect Birthday Cake Today
As you can see, it’s clear that birthday cakes are more than just dessert. From the earliest origins in the history of birthday cake to the diverse styles we enjoy today, this sweet tradition continues to bring people together across borders.
Whether you’re looking to send a personalized cake to a loved one overseas or discover exciting new flavors, Cakes Overseas offers an exceptional range of international birthday cakes delivered worldwide. No matter the distance, you can make their special day unforgettable. Here are some of our most popular birthday cakes:
Colorful and tasty, this Happy Birthday Cake will put a smile on every birthday boy and girl’s face. You’ll receive a 7-inch Vanilla Birthday Cake filled with Raspberry Jam and Vanilla Buttercream. To top it off, our culinary experts have scripted ‘Happy Birthday’ in pastel swirls and candy confetti. Say Happy Birthday with style when you give them the Vanilla and Raspberry Delight.
Every order comes with a dozen buttercream-infused chocolate and yellow cupcakes, each dipped in white Belgian chocolate and meticulously decorated. Four special cupcakes will arrive dressed as magical unicorns! A sweet treat that’s almost too pretty to eat, be sure to pick up some White Chocolate Dipped Unicorn Cupcakes for your next party!
Celebrate with Cakes Overseas: Sending Birthday Cakes Made Easy
- Send a Birthday Cake Today: Brighten someone’s special day with a delicious birthday cake delivered right to their door.
- Send a Gift Certificate: Let them choose their favorite cake with a flexible gift certificate perfect for any occasion.
- Explore Our Corporate Tools: Discover our corporate solutions for sending birthday cakes to employees and enhancing your rewards and recognition program.
- For Cake Lovers, Read Our Blog: Dive into our blog for fun and insightful articles about cakes, celebrations, and more!
Born and raised in her beloved mother city Cape Town, Amy-Paige Cox is a writer, poet and plant mom. A hopeful romantic with a penchant for adventure, she loves exploring the world, all the while documenting her ever-changing perspectives with pen and paper.