My forever birthday is coming up. My 29^th birthday. I’m not gonna lie I’m pretty excited for this one. What do I think about turning 30 next year??.............I don’t know what you’re talking about! I’m going to be 29. Forever!!

I love birthdays so much. I think most families do a pretty good job here in America to make birthdays pretty special for our little guys and gals. Cake and ice cream and a gathering with family and friends? Doesn’t get much better than that!

Anyway, I was thinking about typical American traditions for birthdays and it got me wondering what other countries do to celebrate birthdays. I found some pretty unique ways to celebrate. Let’s just say I’m glad I don’t live in Vietnam because everybody actually has the same birthday! You don’t get your own special day at all.

Here are a few examples of some interesting traditions around the world.

Canada

On the Atlantic side of Canada, birthday boys and girls are sometimes “ambushed” and their noses are greased, usually with butter, to ward off bad luck.

Ireland

Tradition maintains that a child is held upside down and is “bumped” on the floor, once for every year of their age plus one for good luck.

Vietnam

Everyone celebrates their birthday on New Year’s Day in Vietnam, a day they refer to as “tet”. Vietnamese tradition is that the actual day of birth is not to be acknowledged. Rather, people become a year older every year at tet.

China

On birthdays in China, instead of eating cake or another type of sweet, the Chinese opt for long life noodles, which are supposed to promote a long, vibrant life. Just how long depends on how much noodle they can slurp into their mouths without biting. The more noodle the person gets, the longer life they will have.

Jamaica

In Jamaica, people throw flour in the face of the birthday boy or girl, supposedly for good luck. People in the Western culture would just throw the flour into cake, cookies or brownies :)

Russia

The most important part of a Russian birthday celebration is the card. When writing the card, Russians are as sincere as possible, with wishes for health, success or love. Just writing “Happy Birthday” would be considered un-thoughtful and might hurt the recipient’s feelings.

Mexico

Typically, birthdays in Mexico start with going to be blessed by a Catholic priest, followed by a party with relatives and close friends. Childhood birthday fiestas include a piñata, containing small toys, coins or candy.

How does your family celebrate birthdays? I’d love to know in the comments below!