The tradition of celebrating birthdays is a global phenomenon, but its origins are far more complex and diverse than a simple slice of cake might suggest. From ancient rituals to modern-day ...

Every Nov. 10, Marines worldwide gather to cut birthday cakes with Mameluke swords, listen to the reading of a nearly century-old order, and watch the oldest Marine hand a piece of cake to the ...

A celebration held every November still turns on rituals shaped by ideas older than the ballroom itself. The Marine Corps Birthday Ball marks a founding date of November 10, 1775, yet much of its ...