Birthday Ideas

How are birthdays celebrated around the world? That's what we want to know! We want to learn and then share your information and experiences, to pass along resources to others who desire to celebrate birthdays in a global fashion.

We need your help! Please help us learn about typical ways birthdays (especially children's birthdays) are celebrated in the countries where you have lived and the culture(s) you are part of.

Please add your comments below. If you are an "expert" in more than one culture, please indicate with each item where (the country or region) you've experienced it. Thank you!

Tell us how you celebrate birthdays!

1. What countries or cultures are you sharing about? *

2. How do you greet someone on his or her birthday? *

3. Is there anything unique about the timing of when birthdays are celebrated or how birthdays are calculated? Are certain ages celebrated differently? *

4. Are there special gatherings for birthdays? If so, who attends and what happens? Please include ideas for songs, games, arts/crafts, decorations, stories/folktales, and other activities. *

5. What foods or drinks are associated with birthdays? If the foods or drinks are not common American fare, where can people purchase them (or ingredients to make them)? *

6. Are there typical presents given for birthdays? Does the person with the birthday give any presents? Please explain. *

7. Are there any practices related to good or bad luck (such as pulling the ears of the person with the birthday)? *

8. Are there any special clothing or accessories worn on birthdays? *

9. Are there any rites of passage at certain ages? Any special recognitions? What other birthday traditions can you think of? *

10. When is YOUR birthday? *

* Indicates required field

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Thank you for taking time to share your birthday traditions with us!

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While we have your attention...

Hempfield High School's International Cultures Club is planning a huge cultural celebration, for the whole community, on Friday, May 17, 2013. There will be opportunities for people from other countries to provide entertainment, food, art, and other activities to showcase their cultures.

If you would like us to keep you informed about how you can be involved, please let us know!

...thinking big!

Throughout the years, we have often dreamed about opening a Kids and Cultures Museum, an interactive place where people of all ages can come to experience other cultures in ways that are authentic and hands-on.

To start something like this would require lots of help from people like you. Are you interested and available to give us ideas and help us make connections, as we explore the feasibility of bringing this to the community? If so, please let us know! Thank you.