The survival of another year!

Interesting. But why not celebrate everyday then?

its probably yet another way our mothers can make us feel guilty for having ruined their youth.

Nobody will buy me gifts everyday.

And why would people buy gifts for you every year?

I think it may have a lot to do with our parents. It surely was a momentous occasion for ma and pa, the day of my birth.

I don't know the historical origins, but I'd be willing to bet thats what the meaning is.

Well, like others have mentioned, I think its mainly a form of well-wishing; a nice large ratio of time elapsed where we can say, "Hey, congratulations!", "Good luck in the coming year" and other nicey-nice intonations like that.

I kinda think this is cool; seeing this thread on my birthday (omg! it was Fated!!).

In the past, I used to purposefully take the time to mentally review what went on in the past year. From about ages 19 to about 35 it was my habit to - on my birthday - go for a long walk alone in the evening during which I'd think about the major events in the last year, evaluate myself "Am I happier?, Am I better off? What are my issues now?" and so on. I've since stopped this, although I think its probably a good practice with likely good results (if not rather embarassingly narcisstic exercise).

Other meanings, or intonations of the "Happy Birthday" wish for me:

• "Glad you made it through!"
  
• "I'm glad you're still with us"
  
• "Mark this time, you've gained 'rank'"!
  
• "I've taken notice enough to say something about this; you mean something to me"
  
• "I've remembered a milestone in your life"
  
• etc.
  

Neat though; this tradition. Harmless and timeless

Thanks