Russian Birthday Traditions
Russia has some interesting birthday traditions, let's take a look at some of them.
The birthday person is usually the one who brings sweets and cake to a workplace or to a school depending on the life stage they are at. A Russian birthday party usually takes place at the weekends when not a lot of people are working and there is a belief that those who celebrate in advance risk not to live up to the actual date of their birthday!
The birthday person's ears are pulled and are given presents followed by someone saying "Grow up - Don't be noodles!" essentially saying the person needs to grow up strong and tall.
Birthday cards are written with a wish to wish the person a prosperous, joyful and healthy life even if the person is 89 years old! If you are the first person to wish the birthday person a happy birthday on their actual birthday then they will remember it as it shows you are thinking of them.
For gift giving, it is best for the gift to be something the birthday person likes and asking relatives or friends of the birthday person for advice is common. Money is usually given as a birthday present, especially if it is a big birthday (i.e. 10th or 25th). If the gift is flowers, there needs to be an odd number of flowers and yellow must be avoided as it symbols a break up. Sending birthday wishes in advance if one can't make it to the birthday celebration is considered a bad sign in Russia as well!
If there is alcohol at a birthday party, it is common for there to be a toast for every round of alcohol with the spokesperson to make toasts and it is also good practise to honour the parents in the second toast. The person who was known the birthday person the longest would make a long speech, usually listing achievements and the origin of their relationship as well as how it is valued.