Can someone answer this conundrum?? It's an interesting thought, I'm new to this whole WTS doctrinal / "New Light" thing, but from what I've heard and read, I just assumed that birthdays were banned right along with Christmas and other celebrations when Rutherford came in, just as a way of separating the JWs from Russell's Bible Students and rein everyone in more strictly and keep everyone under tighter control. I just assumed that, by demonizing birthday celebrations along with other Christian celebrations, the WTS, under Rutherford, was just using its power to control and scare its followers into staying JWs and doing exactly what they were told, right from the get-go.
How did birthday celebrations survive longer that Christmas and other celebrations in the WTS?? Surely someone out there has an answer, or at least some good references and a reasonable conclusion!!
-Becka :)