How did the birthday cake originate?
The birthday cake as we know it today has been a part of birthday celebrations in America since the early 19th century. It was likely brought to America by German immigrants. Round cakes have been used to celebrate special days, including birthdays, since the early Greeks and Romans.Moon CakesAccording to Utah State University, the earliest version of the birthday cake was probably the small, round cakes that the Greek priestesses of Artemis baked to honor the moon goddess. These moon cakes would most likely be more like bread than cake, but sweetened with honey and spices like anise.Roman BirthdaysAncient Romans also celebrated birthdays with small cakes, which were probably more like round, flat biscuits. These cakes were made with flour, honey and nuts, with yeast for leavening.Sou Bao CakesIn ancient China, Sou Bao—little buns or cakes of wheat flour, filled with sweet paste—were baked to celebrate birthdays. According to Chinaculture.org, Chinese birthdays are still celebrated
