Where and why did birthdays start?

Birthdays are believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, where the pharaohs were celebrated on their coronation day, marking their "birth" as a god. The ancient Greeks later adopted this practice, associating it with the worship of Artemis, the goddess of the moon, and celebrated with cakes shaped like the moon. The tradition evolved over time, with the Romans also celebrating birthdays, especially for the wealthy, as a way to honor individuals and mark personal milestones. Today, birthdays are widely celebrated across cultures as a way to recognize and celebrate an individual's life and achievements.