Many happy returns on the day of thy birth

Many seasons of sunshine be given

May God in his mercy prepare you on earth

For a beautiful birthday in heaven

I don’t know where this birthday blessing originated, but for as long as I can remember, it is what we say when anyone in our family blows out the candles on their cake. Without the blessing, there is no cake.

Many happy returns on the day of thy birth

May your trips around the sun be many.

Many seasons of sunshine be given

May you have joy in abundance for as long as you live.

May God in his mercy prepare you on earth

May your work on earth be worthwhile.

For a beautiful birthday in heaven

May the world be forever better because you were here.

Last night we celebrated my 65th birthday, and the order of the evening was as it always is.

Blow out the candles.

Receive the blessing.

Eat the cake.

After a blessing like that, It feels like you really can have your cake and eat it too.