| 18th Century History |
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Articles and Products of History Birthday CakesI was making a birthday cakes for my youngest child not long ago and found myself wondering how this tradition all started. I found myself quite sure that the tradition started long ago. We even have our own tradition. His birthday cake must always be topped with chocolate frosting and M&Ms. Nothing else will do and I imagine when he is 30 years old with a wife and possibly children of his own, I will still make the same kind of sweet cakes every year on his birthday. Upon investigating this question, I found that cakes indeed have a long and interesting history. It is said that the Greeks make one of the first cakes. Very different from the birthday cakes of today, these cakes were made of honey and bread. These cakes were thought to be used for birthday celebrations. Romans actually celebrated three types of birthdays. One for family and friends, one for the cities and temples they lived in and one for members of royalty. Their birthday cakes were said to be made of flour, grated cheese, honey and olive oil. Many say the first true birthday cakes were made in Germany. A sweetened bread dough was shaped in the likeness of the baby Jesus and dressed in swaddling clothes to commemorate his birth. Many years later Germany started to use these cakes as a celebration of their young childrens birthday. In England, birthday cakes were baked with small symbols mixed up in the batter. Whoever found these trinkets were said to have bad luck or good luck depending on the trinket pulled from their cake. Many think thats why we still decorate our own cakes today with candles and candy. A tradition that started in the center of a cake now rests on top for all to enjoy. Birthday candles were originally placed on top of birthday cakes in the hope that the candles would carry thoughts up to god. People not only wished but also prayed over their candles, believing that the smoke from the candles had special qualities. The practice of wishing on your birthday candles still survives today. There are also many other birthday desserts that can be purchased for that surprise party. While all of these facts were very interesting to me, I think when it comes to making a birthday cake for my children, todays standards are just right for me!
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