What Is The Quote About Blowing Candles?
The tradition of blowing out candles on a birthday cake is a beloved ritual celebrated around the world. Though the origins of birthday celebrations trace back thousands of years, candle blowing is a more modern tradition that emerged in the 18th century.
Birthdays have been celebrated since ancient times, with records of birthday parties dating back to early Egyptian and Greek civilizations. However, the custom of adorning cakes with lit candles is a relatively new phenomenon. While cakes and sweets have long been associated with birthdays, the iconic image of a cake layered with burning candles came about in the 1700s.
Over the centuries, the act of making a wish and blowing out candles has become deeply ingrained in birthday lore. Though the details vary by culture, the symbolic act remains a centerpiece of modern birthday festivities.
Origin and Meaning
The quote “blow out the candles” refers to the tradition of blowing out the candles on a birthday cake. This tradition dates back hundreds of years and has its origins in medieval Germany.
In early German culture, people believed that evil spirits were lurking on one’s birthday, just waiting for an opportunity to do harm. To protect the birthday celebrant from the spirits, friends and family would gather around and loudly sing and shout to scare the evil spirits away. They would also light candles on the birthday cake, to ward off the darkness and evil of the spirits.
Eventually, the tradition evolved so that the birthday person would make a wish and try to blow out all the candles with one breath. If they were successful, their wish would come true. This act of blowing out the candles was symbolic of blowing the spirits away from the cake and from the birthday person’s life in the year ahead.
So in essence, the quote “blow out the candles” means to make a wish and banish any evil or darkness from one’s life. It is about letting go of the past year’s troubles and looking forward to the year ahead with hope and positive intention.
Symbolism
Blowing out candles on a birthday cake is filled with symbolism and meaning. The main symbolic act is making a silent wish before blowing out the candles. This wish making tradition dates back centuries and ties into beliefs about the magic of birthday wishes and the transience of life.
The flickering candles represent the light of life. Blowing them out in one breath symbolizes a desire to make the wish come true. The smoke produced as the flames go out is seen to carry the wish up to the heavens. The brevity of the flickering flame also represents the passage of time and finite nature of life. Extinguishing the candles in one breath demonstrates fortitude and determination to accomplish one’s dreams before the light goes out.
Overall, the act of blowing out birthday candles packs much meaning into a short symbolic act. The wish making tradition allows people to feel empowered and make the most of their special day by visualizing their dreams for the future and channeling their energies into making them real.
Variations
There are some cultural and regional variations on the standard “blow out the candles” saying and tradition.
In Spanish speaking countries like Mexico, the phrase is “Sopla las velitas” which translates to “Blow the little candles.” This is a more diminutive and affectionate way of referring to the candles.
In Italy, the saying is “Soffia le candeline” or “blow the little candles.” Again, using the more diminutive form.
In Germany, the phrase is “Puste die Kerzen aus” meaning “Blow the candles out.” This is very direct, without the diminutive form.
In some Asian countries like China, there may not be a set phrase, but rather the singing of a birthday song while the birthday person makes a silent wish and blows out the candles.
Some alternative English sayings are “Snuff the candles” or “Put the candles out.” These have an old-fashioned, more formal tone.
In recent years, some environmentally conscious parties have used the phrase “Blow the candles gently” to minimize spraying germs on the cake or releasing melted wax.
Usage
This quote is commonly used in the following situations:
– Birthday parties – When the birthday person blows out the candles on their cake, people will often say this quote. It’s a way to tell them to make a wish before blowing out the candles.
– New Year’s Eve – Right before the ball drops at midnight, some people will say this quote to encourage making a wish for the new year.
– Weddings – After the married couple cuts their wedding cake, guests will chant this quote to prompt them to make a wish before feeding each other cake.
– Candlelit dinners – Romantic partners sometimes say this quote to each other before blowing out the candles on their table to make a wish together.
– Any time candles are blown out – Even during informal gatherings or occasions, people may recite this quote when candles are blown out just for the fun of making a wish.
Overall, this quote is commonly used in a lighthearted way to encourage people to make a wish during celebratory moments or events when candles are blown out. The saying prompts people to pause, make a silent wish, and then blow out the candles.
Popularity
The tradition of blowing out candles on a birthday cake has been popular for many centuries. There are records of ancient Greeks using candles on cakes to honor Artemis, the goddess of the moon and hunting. Over time, the practice spread and became common in Europe by the 18th century.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the custom had become widely adopted in Western culture. It was frequently depicted in popular media and entertainment, cementing its place as a standard birthday celebration activity. The iconic image of a child closing their eyes, making a wish, and trying to blow out a ring of flaming candles could be found in movies, cartoons, and advertisements.
The growth of photography and home movies in the 1900s allowed families to easily capture the candle blowing tradition for posterity. Classic family sitcoms on television often featured birthday cake scenes for comic effect. All of these examples of the custom in pop culture served to reinforce blowing out candles as an essential birthday ritual for children. While the specifics of the tradition have evolved over time, its popularity and cultural significance have endured into the 21st century.
Criticism
While the candle blowing quote is widely popular, it has faced some criticism over the years. Some argue that literally blowing out birthday candles spreads germs and should be avoided, especially in group settings. There are concerns that the moist air from blowing can spread saliva droplets over the cake and candles, creating unsanitary conditions. This has led some to encourage new traditions like having the birthday person think of their wish instead of blowing out candles.
Others criticize the quote as promoting unrealistic expectations about aging and the passage of time. Blowing out birthday candles is seen as a lighthearted tradition, but some feel quoting it puts pressure on people to not take growing older seriously. There are challenges, wisdom, and personal growth that can come with aging that critics argue are not captured by the simplicity of the quote.
Additionally, some view the quote as encouraging waste and excessive consumerism since the metaphor involves burnt-out and discarded candles. In an age focused on sustainability and reducing waste, continuing traditions of blowing out and tossing aside candles yearly comes under environmental criticism.
There are also those who find the quote overly sentimental and twee. With its rhyme and metaphor, it can be seen as saccharine and not fully reflecting the complexity of human experience. Some prefer a more nuanced view of aging and time rather than the whimsical optimism of the candle quote.
Impact
The “better to light a candle than to curse the darkness” quote has had a profound impact and influence over the years. Though its exact origins are unclear, the saying points to the power of taking positive action rather than complaining or dwelling on the negative. The quote emphasizes the importance of making a contribution, however small, and shedding light where there is darkness. It suggests that dispelling ignorance, spreading hope, or working towards solutions is ultimately more meaningful than criticizing what is wrong or broken. The saying advocates an attitude of optimism, empowerment and pragmatism in enacting change.
The quote has been embraced globally by social reformers, activists, educators and leaders to inspire others to take initiative. For instance, it became a motto for volunteers teaching literacy skills to adults. On a broader level, the quote’s ethos has resonated with many civil rights, humanitarian and charitable initiatives where people aim to tackle social problems through direct action. The saying’s iconic message continues to motivate people seeking to make a difference in the world.
Examples
This quote about blowing candles has been used in many memorable instances over the years. Here are some quotable examples of it being referenced in speeches, books, movies and more:
“As we blew the candles out on our 50th wedding anniversary last night, we took a moment to reflect on this quote’s meaning and how the years seem to fly by.”
In the climactic scene of the movie, the main character looks at the birthday cake and recites the quote before blowing out the candles to emphasize her nostalgia about time passing.
“I’ll never forget when my dear grandmother whispered this quote to me right before I blew out the candles on my 10th birthday cake.”
The commencement speaker reiterated this quote to the graduating class, reminding them that time goes faster than you think and to make the most of each moment.
The poetic lyrics of the song incorporate this quote in the chorus as a metaphor about cherishing youth and living life to the fullest.
Conclusion
In summary, the quote “blow out the candles” refers to extinguishing or ending something, often symbolizing one’s birthday or a celebratory event. Though the exact origins are unclear, it emerged in the early 20th century as birthday cakes and candles became popularized. The act of blowing out candles is now a beloved tradition across many cultures, allowing people to make a wish as they embark on another year of life. While largely seen as a fun custom, especially for children, the practice is not without criticism as some view it as unhygienic or encourage reusing candles. Ultimately, blowing out birthday candles has become deeply ingrained in many social celebrations and continues to provide joy and excitement.
The saying invites us to consider the fleeting nature of time while appreciating the special moments and people in our lives. As the extinguished flames smoke and fade, we are reminded of the memories created and lessons learned that stay with us. Though the years pass by quickly, the glow of those we love burns steadily in our hearts. The wish made as the flames are blown out represents our hopes and dreams for the future ahead.
