Have you ever wondered where the idea of birthday cake, candles, and making a wish came from? Believe it or not, the modern birthday party as we know it can be traced back to a charming tradition in 18th-century Germany called Kinderfeste.
At eat2explore, we love diving into cultural traditions from around the world and birthdays are no exception! In fact, we’re gearing up to celebrate a special one of our own… our 7th birthday is October 18! So, it felt like the perfect time to explore how birthdays began.
What Was Kinderfeste?
Kinderfeste (pronounced kin-der-fes-tuh) was a German celebration that began in the 1700s. The word literally means "children's celebration," and it marked a child’s birthday with cake, candles, music, and games, many of the same elements we enjoy today.
These celebrations were seen as meaningful milestones, filled with symbols of life and hope.
Candles, Wishes & The “Light Of Life”
Kinderfeste introduced the tradition of placing candles on a birthday cake, one for each year of the child’s life, plus an extra candle representing the “light of life.” This symbolic candle was meant to protect the child and represent hope for the future.
And yes, making a wish and blowing out the candles? That charming tradition also comes from Kinderfeste! Children were told that if they blew out all the candles in one breath, their secret wish would come true.
Games, Decorations & Evolution Over Time
As Kinderfeste evolved, it introduced more fun elements like:
- Singing and music
- Gifts and goodie bags
- Colorful decorations
- Classic birthday games
When German immigrants brought these customs to other parts of the world, especially the U.S., they became the foundation of today’s birthday parties.
A Birthday Celebration Of Our Own!
We’re thrilled to share that eat2explore is turning 7 years old on October 18!
Like Kinderfeste, we believe birthdays should be filled with joy, food, fun, and meaningful memories. And just like Kinderfeste added a candle for the “light of life,” we see every year as a light guiding us toward a more connected, culturally curious world.
Why This Matters: Celebrating Culture Through Food
We go beyond recipes. Our cooking kits help families discover the world by combining hands-on cooking with culture, geography, and history. Every country has a story to tell and a flavor to share.
Explore German Traditions In Your Own Kitchen
Want to bring a taste of Germany home for your next birthday party or cultural celebration? Try our explore GERMANY baking kit! You’ll find:
- Authentic recipes
- Essential spices & sauces
- Hands-on activities
- Cultural stories and fun facts
Perfect for the upcoming holiday season, homeschool enrichment or just a delicious way to explore the world.
Join Our 7th Birthday Celebration!
As we celebrate our own milestone, we invite you to join in the fun this October. Keep an eye out for special surprises and new adventures coming your way!
