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]
Sponge cake The Victoria sponge, also known as the Victoria sandwich or Victorian cake,[12] was named after Queen Victoria, who was known to enjoy a slice of the sponge cake with her afternoon tea. The sponge part evolved from the classic pound cake â€“ equal quantities of butter, sugar, eggs and flour. The difference was the Victorian creation of baking powder, which was discovered by English food manufacturer Alfred Bird in 1843, which enabled the sponge to rise higher.[13][14] This invention, writes cookery author Felicity Cloake, "was celebrated with a patriotic cake", Victoria sponge.[13]