Tied to a pole, soaked with water… and covered in cinnamon?! 🥵🎉 In Denmark, turning 25 while still single means one thing: your friends are about to throw spices all over you — literally. It’s messy, hilarious, and part of a tradition that has deeper roots than you’d think. Full story (and photos!) in this article 👇
Every country has its own customs, and if you look at them from the outside, some may seem strange or even wild. One such tradition in Denmark involves covering someone with cinnamon and pepper on their 25th birthday. We decided to find out more about this unique ritual.
The more cinnamon, the better!
At first glance, it looks a bit extreme — almost like a punishment. Friends and family grab the birthday person, tie them to a post or a tree, pour water on them, and then throw lots of cinnamon all over them. It’s messy, hard to breathe, and everyone around is laughing — because it’s part of the tradition!
From the outside, it looks like complete madness.
But if you don’t take it too seriously, it’s actually just a fun prank. People do it with a sense of humor and excitement.
The tradition has old roots.
This strange custom actually started as a playful way to call out someone for still being single at 25. In the past, people were expected to be married and have children by that age. So if someone reached 25 without a family, their friends would “remind” them in this funny way.
Today it’s more about fun than judgment.
Of course, modern young people don’t take it so seriously anymore. For them, it’s just a silly and enjoyable tradition to celebrate a birthday in a different way.
Why cinnamon, though?
The word comes from the Danish term “cinnamon boy,” which refers to someone who is still single. So sprinkling cinnamon became the symbol of this quirky birthday tradition.
