<P> One theory explaining the tradition of placing candles on birthday cakes is attributed to the early Greeks, who used candles to honor the goddess Artemis' birth on the sixth day of every lunar month . The link between her oversight of fertility and the birthday tradition of candles on cakes, however, has not been established . </P> <P> The use of fire in certain rites dates back to the creation of altars . Birthday candles hold symbolic power . </P> <P> In the past it was believed that evil spirits visited people on their birthdays and that, to protect the person whose birthday it was from evil, people must surround the individual and make them merry . Party - goers made noise to scare away evil spirits . </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 adding candles to a cake originated