On any given day, more than 87,000 people in Canada celebrate a birthday. This year, about 1,000 baby boomers a day in Canada are turning 60.
And according to Hallmark Canada research, more North Americans
are born in August than any other month.
People around the world celebrate birthdays with cakes and
candles, presents and birthday cards, which became popular in
England and North America about 1850, shortly after the first
Christmas card. But that wasn't always the case.
No one celebrated birthdays before 4000 BC because there was
no way to keep track of time. People could figure out how old
they were only after the calendar was invented. But even then,
only kings celebrated birthdays because no records were kept on
the births of common people, says Sharman Robertson, archivist
and historian at Hallmark Cards.
After the Greeks began to compile statistics for tax and
military purposes, only heads of important families were
allowed to celebrate birthdays.
Eventually, birthday celebrations became a tradition
throughout the world. The need to seek rituals that reinforce a
sense of shared values is strong, and birthdays offer that
opportunity. During the past century, birthdays have become
more important as they are a celebration of relationships.
An emerging trend in Hallmark birthday cards is toward a
philosophical look at what life should hold - all year long,
not just on the day - a focus on family, friendship, good
memories and meaning in life, rather than partying, celebrating
and focusing on material possessions.
Over time, birthday cards have become more specific, and
today Hallmark makes cards for stepfamily members, boyfriends,
girlfriends, baby-sitters, business associates (boss, for
example), and a wide range of love and friendship
relationships.
Hallmark created its first 100th birthday card in 1986. As
people live longer, Hallmark has seen an increase in demand for
these cards.
There is an estimated 4,700 people in Canada who have
reached their 100th birthday. This number is expected to double
by 2021. By 2031, Statistic Canada predicts there will be more
than 14,000 people 100 years old or older.
Hallmark Canada will customize 100th birthday cards. They can be requested at Hallmark Gold Crown stores and should be ordered at least four weeks in advance.