In 18th century Germany, the history of candles on cakes can be traced back to Kinderfest, a birthday celebration for children.[8] This tradition also makes use of candles and cakes. German children were taken to an auditorium-like space. There, they were free to celebrate another year in a place where Germans believed that adults protected children from the evil spirits attempting to steal their souls. In those times there was no tradition of bringing gifts to a birthday; guests would merely...

In 18th century Germany, the history of candles on cakes can be traced back to Kinderfest, a birthday celebration for children.[8] This tradition also makes use of candles and cakes. German children were taken to an auditorium-like space. There, they were free to celebrate another year in a place where Germans believed that adults protected children from the evil spirits attempting to steal their souls. In those times there was no tradition of bringing gifts to a birthday; guests would merely...

The use of fire in certain rites dates back to the creation of altars. Birthday candles are said to hold symbolic power.[7] In the past it was believed that evil spirits visited people on their birthdays and that, to protect the person whose birthday it was from evil, people must surround the individual and make them merry. Party-goers made noise to scare away evil spirits.

The use of fire in certain rites dates back to the creation of altars. Birthday candles are said to hold symbolic power.[7] In the past it was believed that evil spirits visited people on their birthdays and that, to protect the person whose birthday it was from evil, people must surround the individual and make them merry. Party-goers made noise to scare away evil spirits.