That was over 4,000 years ago. The story of King Herod tells that on his birthday he made a supper for his lords, high captains and other special friends in Galilee. The very earliest parties were held because people thought that evil spirits would visit them on their birthdays. They stuck close to their friends and family so that evil spirits would not bother them. To protect them from harm friends and family would gather around with gifts and good cheers to keep the birthday celebrant from harm.
Many birthday traditions deal with luck.
A good luck birthstone, flower and a good luck color has been assigned to each month of the year as well as Zodiac signs. The German people are credited with beginning the tradition of party's for children. The celebration was called Kinderfeste. Kinderfeste is derived from two words. Kinder meaning children and feste meaning festival or party.