Where did the tradition of placing candles on birthday cakes orignate ?

The Greek people who took their cakes to Artemis placed candles on the cakes because it made the cakes look as if it was glowing like the full moon. The Germans known as excellent candle makers began making small candles for their cakes. Some German family's would one large candle symbolizing the "light of life. The candle is marked with lines and numbers (usually 12) that would be burned every year. Some people believe the candle were placed on cakes for religious reasons. Others believe that the smoke from the candles would take their wishes up to the heavens.