For many people, particularly young ones, birthdays are a cause for celebration. Parents throw parties for their children and give them gifts, others go as far as surprising their loved ones.
But is it merely about cutting cake, blowing candles and getting gifts, or does a birthday hold a lot more significance?
Linah Ingabire who celebrates her birthday in September says that birthdays are a special time of the year.
"They remind us that we are growing older, and they also symbolise how far we have come. They are a cause for celebration and a great excuse to show someone how much you appreciate them,” she says.
She adds that when we celebrate someone’s birthday, we’re not only celebrating the length of their life, we are celebrating how much they’ve grown in the past year.
"Birthdays are important because they give everyone a day to feel special and see how much those around them love them. As I celebrate my birthday this September, I thank God for the gift of life,” says Mireille Uwimana.
"Birthdays are not the most important day in someone’s life to celebrate, but they are one of those days that we take time to reflect and be grateful,” says Melissa Uwase, a student at African Leadership University.
A birthday is a day to celebrate achievements, do evaluation, and set goals for the new age, Uwase adds.
Something as simple as a birthday wish can go a long way towards building a relationship—professionally or personally. When a business remembers a customer’s birthday, it makes the customer feel appreciated.
When someone surprises another with a gift, it makes them feel loved. When a boss wishes an employee a happy birthday, it makes them feel acknowledged.
Celebrating a person’s birthday is important because it shows the person you’re thinking of them, and in turn, they feel valued by you.
Christian Mfashingabo, a university student, says that wishing someone a happy birthday can create a friendlier connection between people. When you are sincere and care about others, it doesn’t go unnoticed. This can help you build stronger relationships.
Nowadays, everyone seems to be always busy. The fast-paced world has undoubtedly made people constantly occupied with work and responsibilities to the point of forgetting to take a break and bond. As a result, social connection seems to have become weaker and rarer nowadays.
"Birthdays serve as a temporary solution to this seeming lack of social interaction among people. Birthdays basically provide an opportunity for people to reconnect with one another. A person’s birthday is the perfect time to get all of his or her friends at the same place. It gives his or her acquaintances and relatives a chance to meet and interact while sharing some meals or drinks together,” the article ‘The Essence of Celebrating Birthdays’ states.
"Being able to reach a new age is a milestone. However, more than that, having the capacity to begin life with a new sense of purpose using the wisdom and experience earned in the previous years is one of the primary reasons why birthdays should be celebrated. Every person’s existence matters. Regardless of whatever he or she has gone through, the fact that a person has reached a new age without giving up is enough reason for him and her to be celebrated.
"Everyone deserves to be celebrated and to celebrate on his or her birthday. He or she deserves to take a break, to celebrate milestones, and to have fun like there is no tomorrow at least once a year. A person’s birthday is the perfect time to do all of these,” the article notes.