Birthdays ![Rated Good [4 out of 5].](/simpleblog/Themes/default/images/Star4.gif)
Early Christians did not celebrate their birthdays. Birthdays had a strong connection with pagan religions. There is no record of birthday celebrations by the Jews in the Bible. Not even Jesus' birthday is recorded or celebrated in the Bible. There are only 2 two accounts of birthdays mentioned in the Bible, both celebrated by Pagan or non Christian individuals, both ending in a negative result.
Birthdays has its origin in astrology. Birthday cakes appears to be related to the Greek goddess Artemis, whose birthday was celebrated with moon-shaped honey cakes topped with candles. The candles with special magic to grant wishes.
The various customs with which people today celebrate their birthdays have a long history. Their origins lie in the realm of magic and religion. The customs of offering congratulations, presenting gifts and celebrating—complete with lighted candles—in ancient times were meant to protect the birthday celebrant from the demons and to ensure his security for the coming year. . . . Down to the fourth century Christianity rejected the birthday celebration as a pagan custom."—Schwäbische Zeitung (magazine supplement Zeit und Welt), April 3/4, 1981, p. 4.
to be continued...