Birthday

A birthday is the date on which a person was born. It is customary in many cultures to celebrate the anniversary of one's birthday in some way, for example by having a birthday party with friends in which gifts are given. It is also customary to treat someone especially well and generally accede to their wishes on their birthday.

Official/Alternative birthdays

Some notables, particularly monarchs such as Queen Elizabeth II have "official birthdays" which do not match their actual birthday, but on which celebrations are held. In cases where an historical figure's actual birthday is unknown, e.g. Jesus, it is common for a particular date to be substituted.

Related Topics:
Queen Elizabeth II - Jesus

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Children who are born on the 29th of February, which only occurs during Leap years, often celebrate their birthday annually on the 28th, or the 1st of March.

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In Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox countries such as France or Greece, it is common also to have a 'name day'/'Saint's day'. This is celebrated in much the same way as a birthday, but is held on the official day of the saint after whom that the person is named. In some countries, name days are celebrated with much more elaborate festivities than birthdays; in the past, birthdays usually weren't celebrated at all in those countries.

Related Topics:
Roman Catholic - Eastern Orthodox - France - Greece - Name day

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