CHIANG MAI BIRTHDAY CAKES

Just like most places in the world, Thais like to celebrate. If this means a traditional Thai festival or holiday, like Songkran, or Loy Krathong, then great! Let's have a good time! Here in Chiang Mai, people are interested and enjoy partaking in the fun celebration parts of other culture's festivals and holidays too. Christmas, New Years, even Halloween are observed, not nationally, but among many groups. The idea here is fun, is fun. If it's Halloween, and this means dressing up (another thing people from Chiang Mai love to do), and include drinking. Let's do it! 

Birthdays are celebrated for Thais and people in Chiang Mai. Big birthday landmarks of 1 year old, 20 years old, 60 years old, etc., are big moments in people's lives. It's hard to say when birthdays were first celebrated in Chiang Mai, and Thailand, or when things evolved to be the way they are today. 

Now, in Chiang Mai, most people celebrate their birthdays with a cake, candles, and naturally, "the Happy Birthday song".  An amusing part of the "happy birthday song" for the western visitor to Chiang Mai, and a big Thai birthda party, is that they will hear Thai people that are unable to speak a word of English sing this song, in concert with their friends, perfectly. 

Differences in how birthdays are celebrated can certainly be noted. In most western countries, the birthday boy or girl eats (and drinks) for free. The opposite is true here in  Chiang Mai, and Thailand. The person celebrating their birthday will treat their friends and family to a dinner out, or a round of drinks.

Aside from all the cakes and birthday songs and wishes, many Thais and Chaing Mai citizens still go the traditional route, and they go to the temple on their birthday with offerings to the monks. Prayers are said, donations are made, candles are lit, and in the Thai way of life and celebration, merit is made. 

A custom that seems to becoming more and more popular, is on one's birthday, they forget all the big party stuff, gifts (and even cake - although we don't think that's a good idea). 

The birthday boy, girl, man or woman, will escort their friends and family to a small rural orphanage and sponsor, and eat with them, a special dinner, or lunch on a weekend. Often times kids at children's homes and orphanages in Thailand do not receive the food and nutrition they need. This is a scenario that seems to work for everyone involved. In the Thai sense of the custom of making merit, is doing so on their birthday. They are sharing special moment, and are able to see and experience their birthday with those that are less fortunate. 

Certainly a warm and wonderful way to help the local community and celebrate your birthday all at the same time. Naturally, we believe that during such events, that birthday cakes are also arranged, provided for everyone, shared and enjoyed!