Though birthdays fundamentally being celebration of birth and life, around the world they are celebrated with various ideas and philosophies. You can think of the piñata tradition of Latin America, or the very elaborate Korean celebrations. Growing up in India I detested the Birthday bumps or punches, who enjoys being punched around on the day? And more u get; the older u grow? Who came up with the idea and why? As a child I mainly enjoyed special sweets made by my mother or grandmother, and some special love for the day by family and friends.

This year wishes received by Dutch friends made me contemplate. Congratulations! But for what? As the term is usually known to be used for achievements. For the fact that I survived? (in old times probably due to general higher mortality rates) or the fact that whatever I have managed to do or achieve until now?

I prefer the former idea. Though mortality rates have gone down, uncertainty of life and death still remains, the Earthquakes, numerous wars, freak accidents and many more. By the end of the day the term “Gefeliciteerd met je verjaardag” made me appreciate life and its possibilities. This is not a case of lost in translation, but rather this Dutch word or phrase now has a connotation of life and appreciation of it for me.