In the Netherlands, it is the custom on someone's birthday to congratulate not only them, but all their relatives too
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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.
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Willem Rabbeljeeyes, might be true but nowadays this custom is vanishing more and more. You might the very close relatives of the celebrant but not his complete family...they might feel embarrassed!
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