Wacky Birthday Traditions

Around the world, it's not always about cakes and candles

- Stéphanie Verge

A ROUSING RENDITION of the 'Happy Birthday' song, the blowing out of candles on a cake and the giving of gifts are common in many places across the globe-from the United States to Spain and from France to Australia. But some countries go above and beyond to celebrate their loved ones in unique ways. Here, the editors of our international editions share some unique traditions reserved for counting yourself one year older."

MEXICO

An emblematic Mexican birthdayparty tradition-one that has spread across the globe-is the smashing of a piñata. Blindfolded, stick-wielding celebrants whack a brightly coloured container hanging from a string until it bursts open, raining down candy. Though now often made from papier mâché and in a range of forms that includes animals and celebrities, piñatas are traditionally composed of clay and spherical in shape (with protruding spikes).

In lieu of 'Happy Birthday, Mexicans belt out 'Las Mañanitas' ('Little Mornings'), a song believed to have originated in Spain in the 16th or 17th century. "It is sometimes sung in the morning to wake up the person whose birthday it is," says Carlos Díaz, who is the editor of the Mexican edition of Reader's Digest, "but mostly we sing it around the cake before the candles are blown out."

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Down Under, birthdays usually involve firing up your barbecue and having family and friends over for celebratory food and drink.

"A child's first birthday is often celebrated with what we call 'fairy bread'-slices of white bread spread with butter and adorned with coloured candy sprinkles-and balloons," says editor Diane Godley.