Vikings did not celebrate birthdays as they are observed today. Instead, they focused on significant life events or rites of passage, such as coming of age, marriages, or notable achievements in battle or trade. For these occasions, they might offer blessings or toasts wishing health, strength, and success. Traditional toasts like 'skål' were common for festive events, celebrating family and community milestones. Norse culture placed value on ancestry, lineage, and honoring family achievements rather than individual birthdays. Feasts and gatherings to honor major life changes allowed Vikings to express communal support, fostering close bonds and upholding traditions. This communal way of life meant that while personal birthdays were not central, important achievements or family events were celebrated with great reverence, reinforcing Viking social and family ties.