What are some creative ways to wish my friend Tess a happy birthday?

The birthday song we often sing, "Happy Birthday to You," has origins that can be traced back to the late 19th century, with a melody that was originally associated with a song called "Good Morning to All" written by Patty Hill and her sister Mildred J.

Hill.

The concept of celebrating birthdays is rooted in ancient customs.

Ancient Egyptians believed that a person's soul was at its most vulnerable on their birthday, so they would throw a feast to ward off evil spirits and celebrate the person's life.

In many cultures, it's customary to have a cake on one's birthday.

The tradition of cake originated from the Ancient Greeks, who made round cakes to honor the goddess Artemis, the goddess of the moon, with candles representing the glow of the moon.

The act of blowing out candles on a birthday cake is believed to have originated from the Greeks as well, who would blow out the candles to send their wishes to the gods and to signify the end of the celebration.

The phrase "happy birthday" is recognized globally, but the literal translation varies by language: for instance, in Spanish, it's "Feliz cumpleaños," and in French, it's "Joyeux anniversaire."

In some cultures, particularly in parts of Asia, the age of a person is considered to be one year older on their birthday due to the way age is calculated, often starting from conception rather than birth.

The tradition of giving gifts on birthdays can be traced back to ancient civilizations as well, where it was believed that gifts could protect the birthday person from evil spirits and bring them good luck.

The oldest known birthday celebration was for an Egyptian pharaoh, which dates back to around 3000 BCE, illustrating the long-standing importance of marking the passage of time.

Scientific studies have shown that people tend to feel happier on their birthdays, as the anticipation of celebration activates areas in the brain associated with reward and pleasure, releasing dopamine.

Interestingly, a study found that birthdays are often associated with increased mortality rates, particularly among older adults, likely due to the stress and emotional weight of the day, which can trigger health issues.

The average lifespan has increased over the decades, meaning that birthday celebrations may become more meaningful as people reach significant milestones in their extended life spans.

The phenomenon of "birthday blues" is a real psychological experience for some; studies indicate that feelings of sadness or anxiety can arise due to unmet expectations or comparisons with others’ celebrations.

According to research, people with more social connections tend to experience greater happiness on their birthdays, illustrating the importance of community and relationships in enhancing life satisfaction.

The tradition of surprise parties has roots in the element of surprise being linked to joy and excitement, which can cause the brain to release endorphins, enhancing the celebratory mood.

Birthdays can influence personal identity; psychologists suggest that people often reflect on their past and future during their birthday, leading to significant self-assessment and personal growth.

The concept of a "birthday month" has gained popularity, where individuals extend their celebrations over an entire month, which can psychologically enhance feelings of happiness and anticipation.

In some cultures, the 21st birthday is regarded as a significant milestone, symbolizing the transition into adulthood, particularly in Western societies where this is often associated with legal rights.

The science of happiness suggests that the act of giving, such as planning a birthday celebration for a friend, can enhance your own happiness levels due to the release of oxytocin, the "bonding hormone."

The global birthday market, including parties and gifts, is estimated to be worth billions of dollars, reflecting the cultural importance placed on personal celebrations and milestones.

Finally, the evolution of technology has transformed how we celebrate birthdays; virtual parties and online greetings have become common, allowing connections across distances and changing the traditional landscape of birthday festivities.