Did They Celebrate Birthdays During Ancient Times?

Pilar (age 11) asked,

“Did they celebrate birthdays during ancient times?”

Thanks for your question!

Birthday celebrations are popular around the world, and they seem to be an old tradition, at least among some of the rulers mentioned in the Bible. Today, we often receive gifts and food from friends and family on our birthday. But these rulers in the Bible used their birthday to give a feast to those under them.

On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he made a feast for all his servants. (Genesis 40:20)

But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. (Mark 6:21)

Your birthday is a special day because God gave you the gift of life! He can also give you another gift—the gift of eternal life. When you become a child of God, you receive new life in him and the promise of spending eternity with him, something you can celebrate forever!

Do you have a question about God’s Word or his world that you want us to answer? Is there a topic you want to learn more about? Ask your parents to help you submit your question today. Watch for our answer here on the blog or in Kids Answers magazine. We’d love to hear from you!