Birthdays are for reflections and thanks-living

Birthdays do often come as reminders of how gracefully we are aging, reflecting more on the years spent than the years ahead. In a way, birthdays are thankful days for life spent in previous years. This is, however, a little different for children, who are more about partying and fun. In recent years, it has been remarkable to mark some landmarks in life, such as the first, tenth, eighteenth, thirtieth, fiftieth, sixtieth, seventieth, eightieth, ninetieth, and hundredth birthdays. The eighteenth birthday, for example, signifies a transition from the adolescent stage of life to adulthood, while the sixtieth birthday, for example, signifies retirement from the civil service. Other years are also celebrated and mark significant milestones or celebrations. Personally, I do not see reasons for celebrating or marking birthdays in grand style; however, a mini gathering of close friends and family is fair enough as a celebration. I remember seeing a picture of me as an infant. I had a pepsi and Fanta arranged on the table with some biscuits. Many decades ago, the number of drinks on the birthday table most likely signified the age.

Unlike in recent years, birthdays are often celebrated in grand style, especially for children and our dear ladies. I know a family that does not disclose to her kids their birthdays because they usually fall sick on every birthday, which can be serious enough to warrant hospital admissions. Hopefully, it’s a myth or a coincidence, and the kids can get to enjoy their birthday celebrations soon enough.

The most recent and remarkable birthday celebration I can recall was in 2016. I was not of any of the ages aforementioned, but I thought it wise to celebrate as I had just survived an accident exactly a month before my birthday, which almost claimed my life. It was a room celebration and only close friends were invited. You will agree with me that such a birthday celebration was worthwhile, as it was more of a thanksgiving for life spared.

Birthdays are periods of sober reflection, either in recognition of life spent so far or the unknown days ahead. Nonetheless, we have people that will go all out to mark their birthdays, which may involve party planners and the picking of clothes like the ‘aso-ebi’ as contained in African and Nigerian culture. And these celebrations may put strain on some other people’s finances. And we have the everyday party people who need just an excuse for a party and would use any birthday, even those of a neighbor's kids, to plan a party.
Birthdays are celebrated by choice in my culture. In fact, people hardly see the reason for it; however, if they are invited for the occasion to eat, drink, and be merry, they are game.

ALL IMAGES ARE MINE

Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.