This Dutch custom could be linked to the very origin of the birthday celebration. The custom of blowing out candles on a cake goes back to Antiquity. By lighting, then blowing out a candle, bad spirits were driven away and the birthday person was protected for the year to come.

Children often died young in those days. The whole family happily celebrated each added year - as well as the fact that the child was becoming stronger, symbolised by the power of his breath getting stronger.