Birthdays are special occasions, meant to be celebrated with loved ones. If you live in Australia, you know that we love to celebrate, especially when it comes to birthdays. Whether you’re planning your own birthday or someone else’s, Australia has a rich cultural history surrounding birthday traditions that are worth exploring. In this blog, we’ll be highlighting the top 5 traditions that every Australian should do on their birthday. These traditions are both fun and unique, and are sure to make your day memorable.
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Blowing out the candles
The birthday cake tradition is well-known worldwide, but there is something special about blowing out the candles in Australia. The tradition dates back to ancient Greece, where people believed that candles on a cake would make a wish come true. In modern times, it has become a way to celebrate and mark the occasion. Australians lovingly sing the famous happy birthday song while the birthday person blows out their candles, adding a fun and joyous energy that sets the tone for the rest of the festivities.
Giving a boomerang
On a birthday, it’s customary to give a gift to the person celebrating. However, in Australia, it’s become a tradition to give a boomerang, a unique and iconic Australian souvenir. Boomerangs are known for their ability to return to the thrower, representing good fortune and luck. The act of giving a boomerang is a thoughtful gesture, and it’s a special and traditional way to show love and appreciation.
Eating a Lamington
If you’re an Australian who hasn’t tried or heard of a Lamington, you’re missing out. Lamingtons are a beloved traditional Australian dessert consisting of sponge cake coated in chocolate sauce and then rolled in desiccated coconut. They are a staple during birthday celebrations and are popularly served alongside the birthday cake. Eating a Lamington is a delicious way to celebrate the special day, and it’s a must-try for any Australian.
Wearing a Birthday Badge
Australians love to make birthdays special, and a birthday badge is a perfect accessory to mark the occasion. The badge is typically worn by the birthday person and has their age or a special message. It’s a fun tradition that adds to the celebratory atmosphere, and you’ll often see people in Australia proudly wearing their birthday badge.
Having a backyard BBQ
Australians love to gather with friends and family for any occasion, and birthdays are no exception. A backyard BBQ is a traditional way to celebrate, as it allows for everyone to come together, have fun, and enjoy good food and drinks. It’s a relaxed and laid-back way to mark the occasion, and the BBQ is usually accompanied by other traditional Australian activities such as playing cricket or drinking beer.
Conclusion
Birthdays are a time for celebration and coming together with loved ones. For Australians, there are unique traditions and customs that make the day memorable and special. From blowing out candles to eating Lamingtons, these traditions are a reflection of Australia’s rich cultural history and are worth trying out for any Australian’s birthday. So, the next time you’re planning a birthday celebration, don’t forget to incorporate these special traditions to make it a memorable one. Happy celebrating!