Here in the good ole US of A we pretty much do the same song, cake and candles routine for all our birthdays but have you ever wondered what they do in other countries for birthdays. So, why not incorporate some other cultures traditions into your next birthday bash. Here are a few unique ways that other countries celebrate birthdays...
In Germany, German children play a super easy but noisy party game called pot hunting. One at a time each guest is blindfolded and given a wooden spoon, then he crawls around the room banging on the floor until he hits a metal pot. A little prize is hidden underneath for each round. (My 1 1/2 year old son would go crazy over this game).
In Israel, kids don't just say, "Happy Birthday." Instead they offer creative blessings such as, "May you have a year filled with lots of fun and laughter" and "Wishing you lots of cake!" Another custom: the birthday child sits in a chair and the adults lift them overhead one time for every year of their life and an extra one for good luck.
In Scandinavia (also in Norway, Sweden & Denmark) the national flag is hung prominently from a window of the birthday child's house to mark their special day. When neighbors see it, they stop by and offer their congratulations.
I am sure we all know the Mexican birthday tradition of breaking the pinata. This is one tradition that has been integrated pretty well into American culture. I don't know of any kid that doesn't love this Mexican tradition.
No matter where you are from or what your traditions are there is one thing for sure - everyone loves a birthday party.
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