Posted on: June 9, 2017 by admin
Since Australia is celebrating the Queen’s birthday, we thought it would be a good idea to get to know some famous birthday traditions from around the globe. Since Australia is a multicultural country, it’s important not only to understand their language with the different translations of the ‘Happy Birthday’ greeting, but also good to understand how people from different nationalities have some cool traditions when it comes to birthday celebrations.
While English is the most commonly used language, the birthday cake isn’t their main way to celebrate, but rather getting the celebrant covered with huge amounts of flour, thrown at him by the invitees, no matter how old he is. Some people can even go the extra mile and spray some water, making it even more difficult to clean up.
Hungarian translation of Happy Birthday: boldog születésnapot
While it sounds odd, this tradition is funny. Hungarians have a special song that translates to: “God bless you, live so long so your ears reach your ankles.” They listen to this song while pulling the ears of the celebrant.
German translation of Happy Birthday: Alles Gute zum Geburtstag
If you’re a 29 year old single man, get ready to this tradition if you plan on celebrating your 30th birthday in Germany, as you will be asked to go and sweet the steps of the local church. This is done in order to give you some exposure and show off your talent and catch a women.
However, if you’re a child, it’s good to celebrate it the German way, as you’ll be exempted from homework!
French translation of Happy Birthday: Joyeux Anniversaire
A Canadian birthday tradition is to kiss negativity & bad luck goodbye, but in a very special way, getting yourself too slippery for them to get hold of you: smearing your nose with butter ‘nose-greasing’ while pinned to the floor. Bonne chance (Translation of Good luck in French)
Spanish translation of Happy Birthday: feliz cumpleaños
Girls, forget the make up if you’re going to Venezuela for your birthdays. Just like the movies, you’ll get your face pushed into the birthday cake for some laughter! To make sure it’s fun, if you plan on trying this tradition, make sure the candles have been blown out properly!
Italian translation of Happy Birthday: buon compleanno
The scary clown is the tradition here, where the parents hire this evil-looking clown to terrify children as they celebrate the birthday and then put a pie in their face, as they wish them good luck. How interesting?
Maori translation of Happy Birthday: Buon compleanno
For those who fancy new food ideas, go to New Zealand. You’ll have a unique treat on your birthday: ice cream & sprinkles on toast.
Chinese translation of Happy Birthday: Shēngrì kuàilè (生日快乐)
In China, the day you’re born is considered your first birthday. Yes, you’re just born and you’re one year old according to China, which means your actual first birthday is your second to them. On this day, the child would make a career choice: pick up a stethoscope and they will say you’re the future doctor as a funny gesture.
Arabic translation of Happy Birthday: عيد ميلاد سعيد
In Egypt, it’s a nice gesture to get someone flowers for his/her birthday. It’s also common for friends to life the birthday boy or girl up in the air as many times as the age he’s turning.
Indian translation of Happy Birthday: janmadin kee shubhakaamanaen (जन्मदिन की शुभकामनाएं)
A baby’s first birthday is the time to get a shaved head for both boys & girls. This is done while the baby is held over a special fire, symbolizing the renewal of the spirit.
Just like languages, it’s not easy to understand the traditions of all the countries unless you’re a native. Even if you can speak a language or know a good translator, a native linguist will always know it better. That’s why at Speak Your Language, we use native linguists & translators to provide the best translation & interpretation services.
