Birthday wish history: The origins of birthday celebrations
Western birthday celebrations originated in Europe, where people in ancient times would extend their birthday wishes to fend off evil spirits. It was believed that evil spirits were especially attracted to a person on the day of their birth, so it was necessary for their loved ones to visit and bring gifts and good wishes to ward off these entities.
In ancient Rome, people celebrated the birthdays of friends and family with banquets and gift giving; they also observed the natales (birthdays/anniversaries) of their cities and of past and present emperors.
In early Christianity, birthday celebrations were considered sinful. By medieval times, this view had changed – nobility celebrated birthdays while the rest of the population celebrated their name day, the day of the year associated with one’s given name.