Celebrating Birthdays

[M_Winters]

I have a birthday coming up the first week of February and so was doing research on the origin of the annual celebration of birthdays. It seems to me that the celebration of birthdays annually is a pagan/mystical notion and should not be practiced by Catholics or any Christians. However, I have also heard that it is absolutely fine to celebrate birthdays in the Christian faith as a realization and glorification that the individual has been blessed by God to live another year.

I have read the scripture concerning the two birthdays (Pharaoh and Herod) that did not turn out so well and the possible birthdays of Job’s children. I, however, do not believe these would be any conviction against celebrating birthdays and am more concerned about the mystical paganism surrounding them.

Any clarification would be great!

God Bless!

 

[1ke]

I have a birthday coming up the first week of February and so was doing research on the origin of the annual celebration of birthdays. It seems to me that the celebration of birthdays annually is a pagan/mystical notion and should not be practiced by Catholics or any Christians.

This is not authentic Catholic teaching. The Church has no teaching against celebrations of birthdays, anniversaries, or any day.

However, I have also heard that it is absolutely fine to celebrate birthdays in the Christian faith as a realization and glorification that the individual has been blessed by God to live another year.

The Church has no teaching against celebrating birthdays.

Any clarification would be great!

Stick to sources of authentic Catholic teachings, such as the catechism, to avoid confusion.

 

[Debora123]

I have a birthday coming up the first week of February and so was doing research on the origin of the annual celebration of birthdays. It seems to me that the celebration of birthdays annually is a pagan/mystical notion and should not be practiced by Catholics or any Christians. However, I have also heard that it is absolutely fine to celebrate birthdays in the Christian faith as a realization and glorification that the individual has been blessed by God to live another year.

I have read the scripture concerning the two birthdays (Pharaoh and Herod) that did not turn out so well and the possible birthdays of Job’s children. I, however, do not believe these would be any conviction against celebrating birthdays and am more concerned about the mystical paganism surrounding them.

Any clarification would be great!

God Bless!

Haha, wow. Well that’s a shame. I really liked xmas…

 

[Corki]

The birth of a child is not a pagan event, although I am sure that pagans also joyfully welcome their children. Therefore, remembering that event in a meaningful way is also not a pagan event.

If it bothers you, put more emphasis on the anniversary of the child’s Baptism or the Feast day of his/her patron Saint. But as a mom, I want to celebrate and commemorate the day that new life first drew breath and looked at me.

By the way, the Church herself celebrates several birthdays including that of our Lord. I hope you’re not insinuating that the Church Jesus founded is somehow pagan.

 

[Rence]

When the maji followed the star that led them to Jesus and gifted him, it was in celebration of his birthday

Just because something bad happened at a birthday, for example, Herod’s, doesn’t mean that birthdays are bad. It means the people celebrating are “bad”. I’m sure you can see the difference between a bunch of young adults going to a night club in a big city looking for booze and booty for their celebration, and bringing a bunch of children to McDonald’s playroom to celebrate

 

[Bookcat]

I have a birthday coming up the first week of February and so was doing research on the origin of the annual celebration of birthdays. It seems to me that the celebration of birthdays annually is a pagan/mystical notion and should not be practiced by Catholics or any Christians. However, I have also heard that it is absolutely fine to celebrate birthdays in the Christian faith as a realization and glorification that the individual has been blessed by God to live another year.

I have read the scripture concerning the two birthdays (Pharaoh and Herod) that did not turn out so well and the possible birthdays of Job’s children. I, however, do not believe these would be any conviction against celebrating birthdays and am more concerned about the mystical paganism surrounding them.

Any clarification would be great!

God Bless!

it is fine to celebrate birthdays…we do liturgically every year in the case of Jesus (Christmas)…Mary and John the Baptist!

As Josef Pieper the great Catholic Thomist put it …to celebrate a birthday is to say “it is good that you exist!”

 

[puzzleannie]

I have a birthday coming up the first week of February and so was doing research on the origin of the annual celebration of birthdays. It seems to me that the celebration of birthdays annually is a pagan/mystical notion and should not be practiced by Catholics or any Christians.
God Bless!

just because some pagans happen to do things does not automatically mean those things should be forbidden for Christians. Pagans eat, drink, marry, have families, build homes, work and so forth. Does that means Christians should not do any of those things?

 

[Bookcat]

"Who does not remember their grandparents? Who can forget their presence and their witness by the domestic hearth? How many of us bear their names as a sign of continuity and gratitude! It is a custom in families, after their departure, to remember their birthdays with the celebration of Mass for the repose of their souls and if possible, a visit to the cemetery. These and other gestures of love and faith are a manifestation of our gratitude to them. They gave themselves, they sacrificed themselves for us, and in certain cases also gave their lives. "

–Pope Benedict XVI

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2008/april/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20080405_pc-family_en.html

“I greet all those who have gathered here to celebrate this birthday with me…”

–Pope Benedict XVI

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2007/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20070415_80-genetliaco_en.html

Also, I wish to acknowledge your singing to me Happy Birthday! Thank you for this moving gesture; I give you all an “A plus” for your German pronunciation!

Pope Benedict XVI

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2008/april/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20080419_st-joseph-seminary_en.html

 

[M_Winters]

Thanks for the (name removed by moderator)ut!

Simply searching “Birthdays and Christianity” on Google provide some seriously out-of-context analytical views on this practice. I appreciate the responses!

God Bless!

 

[Bookcat]

Thanks for the (name removed by moderator)ut!

Simply searching “Birthdays and Christianity” on Google provide some seriously out-of-context analytical views on this practice. I appreciate the responses!

God Bless!

Have a happy birthday