A Birthday Tradition
@SIMPLYD (90722)
Philippines
October 13, 2015 11:09pm CST
Here in the Philippines , it is the tradition of families that when their babies turn one (1) and seven (7 ) year old , they will have to prepare a foods or give out a party to celebrate it .
The more moneyed one would even have a debutante party for the girl when she turns 18 .
My husband and I followed it when our daughter turned one and seven . Though they were just simple ones.
And when she turned 18 , we also prepared foods but it was a simple family affair too.
Last Saturday , my nephew gave their first son a fabulous 1st birthday celebration . They really saved for it .
It was such an enjoyable occasion with lots of foods , games , loot bags , a clown and lots of guests .
Good thing , the foods prepared sufficed . 
So, do you have this tradition too ?
So, do you have this tradition too ?21 people like this
27 responses
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
14 Oct 15
So you too also have that birthday tradition . That's so nice to know . 
well, as to the kiddie party , we enjoyed it . We had great laughs at the innocence of the children in participating the games . 
It was indeed filled with lots of foods . My diet was once again ruined. But no re- gret .
well, as to the kiddie party , we enjoyed it . We had great laughs at the innocence of the children in participating the games .
It was indeed filled with lots of foods . My diet was once again ruined. But no re- gret . 4 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
14 Oct 15
What are the two dishes right beside the cake in those tray like containers? They seem to be something of interest right now (thinking why that cake did not grab my attention yet!!!
)
Now to the discussion.
We have many customs, but the most commonly followed is the 21st day of the new born. Party time. But we will not be following that at least it will be only a family affair.
Then there is one on the first birthday. This is when the baby is officially named. Agreed, that we do have to have a name when the baby is born for getting the birth certificates etc, but this is when the name becomes official. Until this 1 year anyone can call the baby by any name ... that sounds horrible to me though - as looking back, I see really odd names being used to call the baby
right beside the cake in those tray like containers? They seem to be something of interest right now (thinking why that cake did not grab my attention yet!!!)
Now to the discussion.
We have many customs, but the most commonly followed is the 21st day of the new born. Party time. But we will not be following that at least it will be only a family affair.
Then there is one on the first birthday. This is when the baby is officially named. Agreed, that we do have to have a name when the baby is born for getting the birth certificates etc, but this is when the name becomes official. Until this 1 year anyone can call the baby by any name ... that sounds horrible to me though - as looking back, I see really odd names being used to call the baby4 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
14 Oct 15
@SIMPLYD Yes, my nephew's was a great one. About 100+ guests and 20 odd family members.
Normally on the 21st day, we organize a small religious ceremony, where some priest comes and does the reading of religious texts - In Indian context, it is normally the "Satyanarayan Katha" as it is called.
If the boy born is in a brahmin family, then there is an extra Thread Ceremony - normally when he is 11 or 13 years old. Many do this when he is 11 and those who fail must have it done on his 22nd birthday. Unless this is done, he is not considered to be a brahmin (I find this ridiculous, but that is how it goes), and even not allowed to marry.
If the boy born is in a brahmin family, then there is an extra Thread Ceremony - normally when he is 11 or 13 years old. Many do this when he is 11 and those who fail must have it done on his 22nd birthday. Unless this is done, he is not considered to be a brahmin (I find this ridiculous, but that is how it goes), and even not allowed to marry.3 people like this
@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
14 Oct 15
Here in Texas..we just have a party with family and close friends on each year of the baby's birth and stop about age 10..after that most feel to grown up for parties and just want to go out to eat with family
3 people like this
@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
14 Oct 15
@SIMPLYD I think what happens is by 11 or 12 they get embarrassed but still want presents so might have a slumber party or pizza party at those ages..
By teenage they are usually off with friends so the friends then become more important and by 21 the legal age to drink then its good luck if you ever see your child again..unless you have great kids who stay connected..
2 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
15 Oct 15
@Rosekitty I am happy that our only child , a young lady aged 25 now , was raised with us . It's the Filipino culture that until the child gets married or is still single and stays at the house of the parents , the parents still take care of him/her .
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
14 Oct 15
It's nice to know that .
Here most would give a fabulous party on the 1st , 7th and 18th birthday . Provided , that they have the money .
Though , we also celebrate the birthday each year by preapring foods though it could be with some relatives or just the immediate family .
And just like you , once grown up , just eating out with the family is enough .
Here most would give a fabulous party on the 1st , 7th and 18th birthday . Provided , that they have the money .
Though , we also celebrate the birthday each year by preapring foods though it could be with some relatives or just the immediate family .
And just like you , once grown up , just eating out with the family is enough .1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
14 Oct 15
i want to taste everything and bring some home!
4 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
15 Oct 15
@cynthiann Oh yes , take your pick also . You want the lechon - the roasted pig ? Have you eaten one like that already ? I tell you it's so delicious !
2 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
14 Oct 15
@LadyDuck Oh for weddings ! That also happens here . They would have a lavish wedding , but they end up paying the debts they incurred once they start their married life . 
Us, it was a simple wedding , but we separated from our parents and live on our own after the wedding .
Us, it was a simple wedding , but we separated from our parents and live on our own after the wedding .1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
14 Oct 15
That's nice because your countrymen need not borrow money just to have a children party or prepare foods for the baby .
You know that happens to some ordinary countrymen of mine who wants to also boast of a big birthday celebration because it's tradition .
I am happy though for practical people and that's me. 
You know that happens to some ordinary countrymen of mine who wants to also boast of a big birthday celebration because it's tradition .
I am happy though for practical people and that's me. 1 person likes this
@jrlcentral (2601)
• Roxas, Philippines
14 Oct 15
Well, I'm pinoy too. That's what we did when my son turned 1 almost three months ago. However, I'm saddened to realize that some families tend to borrow money just make the celebration grand.
4 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
14 Oct 15
Truly you are a Pinoy too !
Sad but that's true indeed . It's one Pinoy tradition that even those poor people really have to borrow money just to have some foods prepared for the occasion . 
For my nephew , him and her wife are both with jobs so they really saved for it . Imagine , the decors including the loot bags , clown and the kiddie tables and chairs spread on the lawn was worth PhP10,000.00 . Gosh , my husband and i won't spend that much for those alone .
For my nephew , him and her wife are both with jobs so they really saved for it . Imagine , the decors including the loot bags , clown and the kiddie tables and chairs spread on the lawn was worth PhP10,000.00 . Gosh , my husband and i won't spend that much for those alone .2 people like this
@artemeis (4194)
• China
15 Oct 15
Chinese has a tradition for a baby's first year old, where there will be a baby shower which gathers family members and depending on one's pocket start opening invitations from there. In some of these celebrations, we can find the party spreading over a number of days to the extent of 2 places to accommodate the numbers and both parentage.
After the first, it will be more of a closed family affair (yearly) until the child graduates from school, academic achievement, enters university, enroll into the civil service or military and turns 21.
1 person likes this
@artemeis (4194)
• China
15 Oct 15
@SIMPLYD
It depends but most extended families will help out with such celebrations and the red packets which is a customary gift could assist with the finances needed for such celebrations.
Also,the tradition depicts the numbers as the number of blessings for the family and most of all the baby. So, Chinese parents can sometimes go overboard here.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
15 Oct 15
Oh it's nice to see you again here .
Really ! Oh that's really a big celebration because it can extend to number of days . The parents would really needs a lot of money for that .
China is rich in traditions and culture too and i am happy to know this one .
Really ! Oh that's really a big celebration because it can extend to number of days . The parents would really needs a lot of money for that .
China is rich in traditions and culture too and i am happy to know this one . 1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
14 Oct 15
This looks absolutely wonderful! No - we don't have those celebrations in Jamaica - just regular Birthday parties.
2 people like this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
16 Oct 15
@SIMPLYD I am happy that it all went so well.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
16 Oct 15
@cynthiann We all helped in preparing the house and the lawn for the occasion .
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72279)
• Philippines
14 Oct 15
Some who don't have money would even go to the extent of borrowing and be in debt for years just to celebrate those birthdays. My son had them every year until he turned 7. After that he didn't want to celebrate his birthdays anymore with big parties, he wanted to travel and receive lots and lots of gifts instead lol! This year he will have an advance party in Singapore and Malaysia. 
3 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
16 Oct 15
@toniganzon No wonder he gets all what he wants .
We also have an only child . We wished for another child after 4 years but to no avail until i had my TAHBISO and found out why .
But i am already thankful at least we have a child.
We also have an only child . We wished for another child after 4 years but to no avail until i had my TAHBISO and found out why .
But i am already thankful at least we have a child.@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
14 Oct 15
Wow, your son is so lucky to have moneyed parents in you and your husband . And is he the only child also ?
@Juliaacv (48595)
• Canada
14 Oct 15
Here in our area of Canada most kids have birthday parties every year with their friends and then a separate one with family members. It gets to be an everyday occurance when they celebrate with a party each year, our son only had a couple of organized parties while he was growing up. The first birthday is usually a big affair, as is the 16th birthday.
3 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
14 Oct 15
See , most of us have this tradition or notion to give a party or prepare foods when the child reaches one year old . It's a way of thanksgiving that the child has reached the first year of his life .
well, if the parents are moneyed then they can always give their child a praty each year his/her birthday comes . Actually , here in the Philippines , we always prepare some foods like stir fried noodles mixed with meat and other food stuff every year the child's birthday comes . And that goes to everyone in the family each year their birthday comes .
well, if the parents are moneyed then they can always give their child a praty each year his/her birthday comes . Actually , here in the Philippines , we always prepare some foods like stir fried noodles mixed with meat and other food stuff every year the child's birthday comes . And that goes to everyone in the family each year their birthday comes . 2 people like this
@antonbunot (11092)
• Calgary, Alberta
15 Oct 15
I did not know that tradition. But in the North where I was born . . it is a tradition in our town that once a boy turns 16, he has to be "baptized." I was! hehehehehe
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
15 Oct 15
Finally julito , you are here . Remember me from Bubblews ? rebel_woman06 ? It's so nice to see you here ,
Naughty you indeed , i know what you are trying to insinuate . That too , is the tradition of the boys in our place .
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
15 Oct 15
@antonbunot Really ? Oh i am sorry . But then , i made some posts insinuating that i am here again .
That's my avatar here ever since i started here 6 or 7 years ago. Sometimes , i change it to my true picture , when i feel like it .
I find your username funny thought antonbunot ! 
I find your username funny thought antonbunot ! @antonbunot (11092)
• Calgary, Alberta
15 Oct 15
@SIMPLYD You know you owe me a hug and a kiss . . why? It is because I kept going to your page . . just to find out any latest stuff from you. Nothing! So, you are here . . and you never invited me here. . . hu hu hu! \Just kidding! How are you doing, pretty lady . . Why are you wearing a niqab?
1 person likes this
@ashuli (1196)
• India
15 Oct 15
@SIMPLYD No its not like this we too celebrate birthdays n all like everyone else but in a different way... in India there are so many religions... hence so many different traditions.n so may different thinking and celebrating ways... We believe in Jainism n consider this as showing off (as it doesn't look nice that people who can easily afford good food are being over fed and people who are begging for even 1 meal a day are waiting outside for the party to end and get the leftovers)...but nowadays there are people within our religion too who have started celebrating lavishly...
So, i believe that at least on birthdays one should try to help the needy people...
we too celebrate birthdays n all like everyone else but in a different way... in India there are so many religions... hence so many different traditions.n so may different thinking and celebrating ways... We believe in Jainism n consider this as showing off (as it doesn't look nice that people who can easily afford good food are being over fed and people who are begging for even 1 meal a day are waiting outside for the party to end and get the leftovers)...but nowadays there are people within our religion too who have started celebrating lavishly...
So, i believe that at least on birthdays one should try to help the needy people...1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
14 Oct 15
There is no tradition as such. However, first birthday of a baby is always celebrated with much fanfare here in India. Needless to say that if it is a baby boy the celebrations are done at a larger scale in comparison to a girl child.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
14 Oct 15
Oh really ! The boy weighs much more when it comes to celebrations of the first year of life .
Here boy or girl they are of equal importance .
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
14 Oct 15
Oh so you don't have those .
But that one too, christening , is something we also prepare foods for all the guests . It's a fabulous party .
@Cdjran2015 (273)
• Manila, Philippines
14 Oct 15
Nope. Even birthdays, I forgot hahaha
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
14 Oct 15
Are you married and you have a kid already ? If you are , didn't you do that to your child when he/she turned one ?
@Tita417 (1228)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
14 Oct 15
Oh yes, we do and it doesn't really have to be a bash just for family but you see we are a lot 10 kids so you could imagine that we turned out 50 together with nieces and nephews yeah. But the food will suffice for all of us you know my mom she cooks for a battalion with the help of my sisters. but now everyone is in the states and I'm all alone here in Cagayan de oro, I miss those big reunions and I miss all of themHappy birthday to your nephew
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
14 Oct 15
See , how we Filipinos obey the tradition . But this is indeed a happy occasion for everyone .
And when those from abroad comes home , they would celebrate their birthday again even if it's a bit past already .
It would be a big reunion if those relatives of your comes home from the US .
Thanks for the belated greeting .
And when those from abroad comes home , they would celebrate their birthday again even if it's a bit past already .
It would be a big reunion if those relatives of your comes home from the US .
Thanks for the belated greeting . 1 person likes this
@JaneApril (334)
• Philippines
14 Oct 15
I am a Filipino but I don't know where that tradition came from. Lol. But we also follow that tradition.
(I want to pick the hotdog and mallows on stick from that picture.) Haha
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
14 Oct 15
It has been here since the olden days . It's a thanksgiving actually .
Oh is that what you want ? You still have the kid taste .
Don't you want to have some of the lechon ?
Oh is that what you want ? You still have the kid taste .
Don't you want to have some of the lechon ? @SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
15 Oct 15
@JaneApril Blood pressure ! why, you are still too young to have have a bad BP. 
1 person likes this
@JaneApril (334)
• Philippines
15 Oct 15
@SIMPLYD
Who would say no to lechon :) oh my .. my blood presure :D lol
1 person likes this
@birjudanak (14320)
• India
24 Dec 15
we celebrate birthday at all years so we are enjoy in every years.
i can understand 1st years is very good for celebration but dont understand what for 7th years means what is logic behind it please share with us.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
28 Dec 15
@birjudanak Each country have their own beliefs and traditions my friend .
1 person likes this
@birjudanak (14320)
• India
28 Dec 15
@SIMPLYD oh its good and something new for me here we all think that child grow and become mature after 15 or 18 but we not celebrate like special year as yours.
1 person likes this
