Why Do We Put Candles On Cakes?

Simple Birthday Cake

The origins of this custom go all the way back to ancient Greece, when worshipers at the temple of Artemis, the moon goddess, used to make offerings of cakes decorated with circles of candles; the ring of light represented the full moon. Hundreds of years later, Germans would put a single candle on a birthday cake, to represent the life spirit. Sometimes they would mark off the candles in segments, symbolizing the passage of the year.

Array of fancy candles on cake.

Candles have always been part of religious rituals, and many churches in Nigeria lay strong emphasis on candles during various religious rites. However, the idea of making a wish and blowing the candles out has its roots in ancient pagan customs...the idea is that the smoke carries your wish to heaven.

Birthday Cake with flakes and candles.

Others believe that the custom originated in Germany where people used to place a large candle in the centre of the cake to symbolize ‘the light of life’. In present times too, people place candles on Birthday cakes and a silent wish is made before blowing out the candle. It is believed that blowing out all candles in one breath means the wish will come true and the person with enjoy good luck in the coming year. Some also smear out the name of the person before slicing of the cake to bring good luck. It is common these days for birthday cakes to have the number of candles reflect the age of the person, this is more practiced for younger and much older people as most middle aged men and women prefer keeping their ages secret.

Fancy coloured candles

To make your birthday cakes and the candles stand out perfectly, Crust & Cream goes the extra mile to giving your cakes that uniqueness it desires. Properly chosen candles to match your cake and accentuate it s looks is always befitting for your birthday. The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.