when did we start putting candles on birthday cakes
Birthday cake In 18th century Germany, the history of candles on cakes can be traced back to Kinderfest, a birthday celebration for children.[3] This tradition also makes use of candles and cakes. German children were taken to an auditorium-like space. There, they were free to celebrate another year in a place where Germans believed that adults protected children from the evil spirits attempting to steal their souls. In those times there was no tradition of bringing gifts to a birthday; guests would merely bring good wishes for the birthday person. However, if a guest did bring gifts it was considered to be a good sign for the person whose birthday it was. Later, flowers became quite popular as a birthday gift.[4]
Boston cream pie The dessert acquired its name when cakes and pies were cooked in the same pans, and the words were used interchangeably.[2] In the latter part of the 19th century, this type of cake was variously called a "cream pie", a "chocolate cream pie", or a "custard cake".[2]