Hi Anna, We already know October 18th is a very special day because it’s your birthday! And do you know the history behind why you get to celebrate your birthday every year? It all started back in Egypt with the pharaohs celebrating their coronation day, when they were “birthed” into becoming gods when placed on the throne. The Greeks then added “moon cakes” to celebrate their own gods and goddesses. But it was the Romans who first felt mortal men were worthy enough to have their own birthday celebrations! We have to go around the world once again to discover the origins of the birthday cake…in late 18th century Germany! German celebrations of children’s birthdays also included making a wish by blowing out your candles. But what about the Happy Birthday song you are bound to hear today? It’s a variation of a song from 1893 called “Good Morning To All” sung to students in the morning before their classes began. The song caught on and eventually additional lyrics were added that turned it into the song we love to sing and hate to hear the older we get! I hope you’ll take a moment to think about the long history around the world that gave rise to celebrating your very special day. It’s your moment…and it’s been a long time in the making! Happy Birthday Anna!