<P> In 18th century Germany , the history of candles on cakes can be traced back to Kinderfest , a birthday celebration for children . 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 . </P>
<P> In 18th century Germany , the history of candles on cakes can be traced back to Kinderfest , a birthday celebration for children . 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 . </P>
when did we start putting candles on birthday cakes
when did we start putting candles on birthday cakes
18th century
18th century