Read the article about the history of birthday parties and mark the statements true (t)/false (f). 1 the tradition of birthday parties started in order ti have a celebration for friends and relatives on that day. 2 on this day friends and family brought their good wishes and presents to frighten evil spirits away. 3 the first celebrations were organised for children. 4 the first children parties were organised in germany. 5 such traditions as cakes with candles and birthday games are similar in many countries. the tradition of birthday parties started in europe a long time ago. it is feared that evil spirits were particularly attracted to people on their birthdays. to protect them from harm, friends and family would come to be with the birthday person and bring good thoughts and wishes. giving gifts brought even more good cheer to keep away the evil spirits. this is how birthday parties began. at first it was only kings who were recognised important enough to have a birthday celebration. as time went by, children became included in birthday celebration. the first children's birthday parties happened in germany and were called kinderfeste. some traditions are quite similar in many parts pf the world; birthday candles which carry wishes up to god, birthday games which check how much more a child can do compared to last year, and birthday pinches or taps which bring good luck for the coming year. some traditions are more specific to certain countries.
