Another Year

I'm one year older today... woohoo. Actually I should say I'm exactly one year older today because if you really think about it... it's not like you turn a year older overnight. With each day you are living towards your next birth date so in essence it's a year-long journey. That's why I don't feel any different than I do yesterday other than the fact that now I know I'm a year older.

Why do people celebrate their birthdays? Where did this whole birthday celebration come from and who started it? Did you ever wonder? I always thought it was to celebrate the fact that you're still alive. I know that doesn't sound all too optimistic, but isn't it basically? Aren't you celebrating that you've lived through the year and reached your birthday? It's like saying "Yay, congratulations on making it!" Or is it a cruel joke to remind a person that you're getting older every year? Are you a glass half full or half empty type of a person?

According to Wikipedia, birthday celebrations began during the time of the Roman Empire with a cult known as the Mithras and have pretty much continued through time. So essentially birthday celebrations originated from pagan practices. Quite interesting isn't it? I believe Christmas trees are another symbol with pagan origins. Who would have thought?