Question

When did adding candles to the birthday cake originate?

Answer 1

Adding candles to the birthday cake originated in around the 1700s in German. The activity of adding candles to cake originated in the Ancient Greek era which is done for giving honor to the Goddess Artemis in the Artemis temple. However, this first adding candle to cake activity is not done for a birthday occasion until the 1700s.

Answer 2

Traditionally it is believed that candles were placed on the cake in Germany to represent 'the light of life'.

Basically, the candles began in Ancient Greece. Greeks used to make round cakes in respect of Artemis (Goddess of the moon) and to honour her.

The candles represented the glow of the moon and the smoke of the candles carried their prayers and wishes to the Gods who were in the skies.