Is it wrong to celebrate birthdays?
JWs believe that it is wrong to celebrate birthdays because birthdays are referred to twice in the Bible and in both instances they were celebrated by evil men.
Gen 40:20-22
Now the third day was Pharʹaoh’s birthday, and he made a feast for all his servants, and he brought out both the chief cupbearer and the chief baker in the presence of his servants. And he returned the chief cupbearer to his post of cupbearer, and he continued to hand the cup to Pharʹaoh. But he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had interpreted to them.
Matt 14:6-10
But when Herod’s birthday was being celebrated, the daughter of He·roʹdi·as danced for the occasion and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Then she, at her mother’s prompting, said: “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” Grieved though he was, the king, out of regard for his oaths and for those dining with him, commanded it to be given. So he sent and had John beheaded in the prison.
This is a logical fallacy known as guilty by association. For example, Jack is a criminal. Jack has purple hair. Therefore, you should not dye your hair purple or else you will become a criminal. Unless you can show that purple hair causes Jack to commit crimes, the fact that Jack has purple hair is irrelevant.
Therefore, the fact that Pharaoh and Herod celebrated birthdays is irrelevant unless you can show that celebrating your birthday causes you to do evil.
Nowhere does the Bible teach that it is wrong to celebrate birthdays. Birthday celebrations could be wonderful opportunities to thank God for giving us another year to live and for building relationships with family and friends.