Candle Clicks

The tradition of birthday candles is also associated with the Germans. During the Kinderfest (children's festival) in 18th-century Germany, a candle was placed on the cake to represent “the light of life.” Today, this could be seen as a precursor to the modern birthday candles. The candles were left burning all day and only blown out after dinner with the family, accompanied by making a wish, which was thought to be a silent prayer sent to God.