Sixteen Candles
Lighting 16 candles acknowledges the people who are most important to the birthday celebrant, such as parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. The ceremony involves choosing 16 people and saying something nice about each one as they approach to light a candle. Traditionally, the first candle represents the celebrant’s parents; the second candle, any siblings, or if there are none, the grandparents, aunt or uncle, an honorary aunt or uncle or even teacher. The third, fourth, fifth and sixth candle are for additional family members to light, the seventh to 16th candle is for friends, boyfriend or special friend. Alternatively, present the cake with all 16 candles burning, and the celebrant can choose to say a special thanks to those who made her day special, and if she chooses, light a 17th candle for good luck. Once all candles are burning, guests sing “happy birthday.”
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