Birthdays

There is so much going on right now that I wanted to do a topic that I haven't touched on at all. I could talk about the Canadian election, or the American one, or the Boston Red Sox, or the Saskatchewan Roughriders, or the weather. But I wanted to talk about birthdays. The only challenge is in determining the context. So I think I'll put them in the context of:

Birthdays are just for kids: Birthdays are really a meaningless day; it's not like you actually change from one day to the next, so they are essentially just for kids. When you get older, they cease to have any real meaning; after you get the legal rights to drive, vote, drink, kill other people in wars, be held responsible for crimes, and enter into contracts, there is really no point in them. They are just hallmark days. There is no difference between 24 and 28; or 38 and 42; or 73 and 83. For kids, the birthdays are a good markers for the passage of time, but really, the start of the school year is a better marker. But kids like them, it makes them feel important, which is a feeling most kids don't get, so celebrate them. The last important birthday (in Canada, anyways) is the 19th - because then you can legally drink anywhere in the country. 

Birthdays are important for everyone: Maybe the day itself does not mean much, but they still are a time of reflection for people. It is a time that many people take to look back at the year that was, and how they have progressed as individuals, and as such, it should be maintained and continued. Plus, it is a time honoured tradition, and that only gives it value. And the milestone birthdays always mean something - 20, 30, 40, 50, 65. Because they have value culturally, they have value to individuals. 

Where I stand - I like birthdays, but I don't see much point in them. That said, I always like to go birthday parties, and I like my own as well. I like the "specialness" of them -  and even the slight extra recognition that people get on their birthdays is positive. 

How I relate: Guess what - it's my birthday this month. October is always a busy month for birthdays - lots of Scorpios and Libras in my circle of friends, I guess. So that's why I'm thinking about it. Yay birthdays!

Ok, this was a boring post. I'll do better next time. I promise.