jehova's witness & birthdays?

Question

i know they dont celebrate birthdays
but my friend is one and has a bday coming up.

what are some do's & don'ts for bdays?
can i at least wish them a happy bday?

im too embarassed to ask him. lol

Answer 1

A person can acknowledge another's birthday without celebrating it. Expressions such as "How does it feel to be another year older?" or "Congratulations on surviving another year" convey the idea without implying a celebration.

The vast majority of Jehovah's Witnesses simply say "thank you" to expressions such as "happy birthday", or "merry Christmas", or "good luck", or "bless you". Most Witnesses fully understand that theirs is a religious minority and such expressions are generally intended kindly rather than teasingly.

At other times, the coworkers or neighbors of a Witness are fully aware of his religious convictions yet persist in expressing such ostensible good wishes (apparently in order to tease the Witness). Insincere expressions of that nature are less likely to be appreciated by Jehovah's Witnesses, and seem not to merit a 'thank you'.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/20020801/article_02.htm

Answer 2

That is true that we do not celebrate birthdays. We do have parties and get together from time to time and such occasions have nothing to do with ancient pagan superstitions that were practiced honoring false gods. We also give gifts when we are moved impulsively to do so. The first century Christians did not celebrate birthdays for the same reasons. Only pagans of ancient times celebrated birthdays. Even the Hebrews/Israelites/Jews did not celebrate birthdays in the past. The only two birthdays directly referred to in the Bible are pagans and there is no mention of any of God's people attending them. We do not practice customs of the people around us that originates from ancient superstitions and false ideologies and that has any connection with the supernatural enemies of God. I will submit scriptures and references when I get more time later today or tomorrow. :)

Answer 3

Acknowledging someone is older is fine, but there's no need to say "Happy Birthday" or buy a gift since that is part of celebrating birthdays.

I can remember someone I did business with sending me a card when I turned 40. It didn't bother me, he knew I didn't celebrate it, he was just teasing me about turning 40. Of course, he remembered because my date of birth was the same day as his wedding anniversary.

Why not ask your friend, it will not bother them at all. Let him explain way we don't celebrate it.

Answer 4

I prefer to just accept cheques of $500 instead of birthday presents, then that way, I don't go against my beliefs...LOL (just kidding)

He's not going to be offended if you give him attention for his birthday, he'd be embarrassed maybe, and then feel awkward because he'd have to explain that he doesn't celebrate birthdays...but you'd save him all that embarrassment and awkwardness simply by acknowledging his beliefs and just saying something cheeky/funny.

My friends at school always used to jokingly say "Paul, I hope you enjoy your NON CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY!" or "I hope you had a good DAY that just happens to be your birthday!" LOL

Jehovahs Witnesses won't bite :)

Answer 5

I am JW, do not celebrate birthdays. I really appreciate it when my non- Witness friends do not wish me a happy birthday, or even mention it at all. I see it as an expression of respect for my beliefs.

Some just can't help it and they wish me one. I do not accept cards from them though. When they say "Happy birthday!", I say "I'm fine, thank you, how are you?"

If he's really your friend, you can ask him, and that way you can respect his wishes.

Answer 6

Well, at birthdays the usual routine is this:
You arrive with a suitable present priced between $15 and $100, depending on how close you are to this person, and the signifigance of it (50th is more signifigant than 43, 21st and 18th are probably the most signifigant. Every child's birthday is usualy signifigant). For example if they are 21, a bottle of alcohol is always good, if they are 8, a tranformers figureine., if they are 60, a good book. And don't forget the card.
When you arrive to the party you greet them with a "happy birthday!" and give them the present with accompanying card. Have a chat with them or move over to some other friends and talk to them. The rest proceeds like a normal party until the traditional singing of the happy birthday song. the song goes something like this:
"Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear (birthday boy/girls name)
Happy Birthday to you!
Hip-hip, Horray!
Hip-hip, Horray!"
They will then blow out the candles on the birthday cake while making a secret wish to the birthday fairy. They will then cut the cake, taking the first piece. After they have taken the piece, you may obliged to grab a reasonably sized piece for yourself. The party will then proceed as normal.

Answer 7

First of all it is spelled Jehovah, it is OK to say happy birthday but don't tr to get a gift or throw a party. Don't be afraid to talk to this person about their religion.

Answer 8

If he is a witness do it after his day.We don't celebrate and we just worship and say thanks to Jehovah and our parents for being here.Just like X_mas we don't celebrate.Any other time of year to give gift or friendship card is fine.

Answer 9

Well if you really want to know, ask him.

If you don't want to ask him I will help you, common sense, if someone doesn't celebrate something, then don't push it.:D

Hope this helps.

Answer 10

be glad he's a witness, you'll save a couple of bucks because you don't have to buy a gift