Birthdays! They’re a time for cake, presents, laughter, and celebrating another year of life. Whether it’s a milestone bash or a cozy get-together, birthdays are all about joy. But why just have the usual chit-chat when you can amp up the fun with a little friendly competition?
Get ready to test your knowledge of all things birthday with these 50 trivia questions! From famous birthday traditions around the world to pop culture birthday moments, there’s something here to challenge everyone. So gather your guests, divide into teams (or not!), and let the birthday trivia games begin! Let’s see who’s the ultimate birthday brainiac!
1. The Classic Song Start:
What two words always begin the traditional “Happy Birthday” song?
Answer: Happy Birthday
2. Candle Count Conundrum:
Besides age, what is often said to be the reason for putting candles on a birthday cake?
Answer: To make a wish.
3. Birthday Gemstone for January:
What is the birthstone associated with the month of January?
Answer: Garnet
4. Famous July 4th Birthday:
Which U.S. President was born on July 4th?
Answer: Calvin Coolidge
5. Presidential Pair in November:
Name two U.S. Presidents who share a birthday in November.
Answer: James K. Polk & Joe Biden (Also Zachary Taylor, but Polk and Biden are probably better known)
6. Sweet Sixteen Tradition:
In many Western cultures, what age is often celebrated as a “Sweet Sixteen”?
Answer: 16
7. 21st Birthday Milestone:
In the USA, what significant legal milestone is often associated with turning 21?
Answer: Legal drinking age.
8. Leap Year Luck:
What special day do people born on February 29th celebrate their birthday on in a non-leap year?
Answer: February 28th or March 1st (often given flexibility).
9. “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” Singer:
Which iconic actress and singer famously serenaded President John F. Kennedy with “Happy Birthday, Mr. President”?
Answer: Marilyn Monroe
10. Birthday Spankings Around the World:
In some South American countries, how many spanks are traditionally given on a birthday?
Answer: The same number as their age.
11. Piñata Party Origin:
From which country did the tradition of birthday piñatas originate?
Answer: Mexico
12. Fortunate Number 70th:
In Jewish tradition, what is the significance of reaching the age of 70?
Answer: It is seen as achieving a full life.
13. Korean First Birthday Feast:
What is the name of the Korean tradition celebrating a child’s first birthday?
Answer: Doljanchi (or Dol)
14. “Birthday Sex” Singer:
Who is the artist behind the catchy (and slightly suggestive) song “Birthday Sex”?
Answer: Jeremih
15. Highest Charting Birthday Song (Not “Happy Birthday”):
What is widely considered the highest-charting song with “birthday” in the title that is not “Happy Birthday”?
Answer: “It’s My Party” by Lesley Gore
16. “Sixteen Candles” Movie Star:
Who played Samantha Baker in the iconic 80s movie “Sixteen Candles”?
Answer: Molly Ringwald
17. “Birthday Cake” Singer:
Which pop star released a song titled “Birthday Cake” featuring Rihanna?
Answer: Rihanna (featuring Chris Brown)
18. Birthday Cake Flavor King:
What is the most popular flavor of birthday cake in the United States?
Answer: Chocolate
19. Symbolism of Round Birthday Cakes:
Historically, why were birthday cakes often made in a round shape?
Answer: To symbolize the cyclical nature of life and the sun or moon.
20. Ancient Birthday Celebrations – Greeks and Goddess:
Which ancient civilization is believed to have been among the first to celebrate birthdays, initially for their gods?
Answer: Ancient Greeks (specifically for Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and moon)
21. Roman Birthday God:
In ancient Rome, who was the god of birthdays and beginnings?
Answer: Janus
22. Birthday Month with the Most Births:
In the Northern Hemisphere, which month typically has the highest number of births?
Answer: August
23. Birthday Month with the Fewest Births:
Conversely, which month typically has the fewest number of births in the Northern Hemisphere?
Answer: February
24. “Birthday Girl” Singer:
Who sings the song “Birthday Girl”?
Answer: Perry Farrell
25. Origin of the “Happy Birthday” Melody:
The melody for “Happy Birthday to You” is originally from what earlier song title?
Answer: “Good Morning to All”
26. “Birthday Cake” Dessert Origin:
While birthday cakes are common globally, what country is widely credited with their modern origin?
Answer: Germany (from the “Kinderfest” celebrations)
27. Birthday Party Game Staple – Musical…?:
Name a classic birthday party game involving music and chairs.
Answer: Musical Chairs
28. Birthday Clown’s Shoe Size Stereotype:
What stereotype is often associated with the shoe size of a birthday party clown?
Answer: Very large shoes
29. Birthday Crown or Hat Tradition:
In many cultures, what is a common headwear item worn by the birthday person?
Answer: A crown or birthday hat.
30. “Unbirthday” Song in Alice in Wonderland:
In “Alice in Wonderland,” which character celebrates “unbirthdays”?
Answer: The Mad Hatter and the March Hare
31. Birthday in a Bottle – Champagne Region:
In what region of France is champagne, a popular birthday beverage, produced?
Answer: Champagne
32. Birthday Zodiac Sign for May 22nd:
What zodiac sign would someone born on May 22nd fall under?
Answer: Gemini
33. Birthday Zodiac Sign for December 25th:
And what zodiac sign for someone born on December 25th?
Answer: Capricorn
34. “Birthday Wishes” Movie Genre:
Is the movie “Birthday Wishes” typically considered a comedy, drama, or horror?
Answer: Horror (often a subgenre of slasher horror)
35. Birthday Cake Alternative – Pie Preference:
For those who prefer pie, what is a popular alternative to birthday cake?
Answer: Birthday pie
36. Birthday Party Theme – Pirate…?:
Name a common birthday party theme involving pirates.
Answer: Pirate Party
37. Birthday Party Favors – Small Gifts for…?:
What are small gifts given to guests at a birthday party often called?
Answer: Party favors (or goodie bags/loot bags)
38. Birthday Card Greeting – “Many Happy Returns of the…?” :
Complete this common birthday card greeting: “Many happy returns of the…?”
Answer: Day
39. Birthday Gift Giving Etiquette – Thank You…?:
What is generally expected to be sent by the birthday person after receiving gifts?
Answer: Thank you notes (or thank you cards)
40. Birthday Countdown – Days Until My…?:
What phrase is often used for websites or apps that track the time remaining until a birthday?
Answer: Birthday
41. Birthday Month – October Gemstone:
What is the birthstone for the month of October?
Answer: Opal (or Tourmaline)
42. Birthday Month – September Flower:
What flower is associated with the month of September?
Answer: Aster (or Morning Glory)
43. Birthday Month – March Flower:
And what flower is associated with the month of March?
Answer: Daffodil (or Jonquil)
44. “Birthday Massacre” Band Genre:
What genre of music is associated with the band “Birthday Massacre”?
Answer: Industrial rock (or electronic rock/dark wave)
45. Birthday in Space – Yuri Gagarin’s Astronaut Team:
What significant event in space history occurred on Yuri Gagarin’s birthday?
Answer: The launch of Apollo 10 (the dress rehearsal for the moon landing)
46. Birthday Clown Makeup Style – White…?:
What is the traditional base makeup color for a birthday clown’s face?
Answer: White
47. Birthday Party Supply Store Giant – Party…?:
Name a well-known chain of party supply stores often used for birthday decorations.
Answer: Party City
48. Birthday Cake Decoration Staple – Frosting or…?:
Besides frosting, what other creamy substance is often used to decorate birthday cakes?
Answer: Whipped cream
49. Birthday Wish Tradition – Blow Out the…?:
What are you traditionally supposed to blow out on a birthday cake to make a wish?
Answer: Candles
50. Ultimate Birthday Question – How Old Are…? :
And finally, the most classic birthday question of all: “How old are…?” (Complete the question!)
Answer: You?
Conclusion: Birthday Trivia Triumph!
Wow!
You made it through all 50 birthday trivia questions and their answers!
Whether you aced them all or learned a few new fun facts, hopefully, this list has added a spark of fun to your birthday celebrations.
Use these questions to liven up your next party, challenge your friends, or just enjoy a bit of birthday-themed brainpower.
Happy quizzing, and most importantly, Happy Birthday to you and all your loved ones!
Now, go get that cake!
