Birthday Traditions Around the World: How Different Cultures Celebrate
From ear-pulling in Hungary to face-smashing in Mexico, birthdays look different everywhere.
Every culture celebrates getting older, but the traditions vary wildly. Here are some of the most interesting birthday customs from around the world.
Mexico: Mordida
The birthday person takes the first bite of cake, and friends push their face into it while chanting mordida (bite). It is messy, hilarious, and universal at Mexican birthday parties.
Germany: Sweeping the Steps
Single men who turn 30 must sweep the steps of their town hall or church while friends throw garbage. Only a kiss from a woman stops the sweeping. The tradition pressures bachelors to find a partner — with humor.
South Korea: First Birthday (Doljanchi)
At a child first birthday, objects are placed before them: money (wealth), thread (long life), pencil (scholarship), rice (abundance). Whatever the child grabs predicts their future. This ceremony is one of the most important celebrations in Korean culture.
Denmark: Flying the Flag
Danish families fly the national flag outside their home on birthdays. If you see a Danish flag in a window, someone inside is celebrating. Gifts are placed around the sleeping birthday person so they wake up surrounded by presents.