The answer is: True

Gen 40:20

It's always fascinating how even the mightiest guard their special days! In Genesis 40:20, this grand party does highlight the personal life of Pharaoh, showing that his humanity—and ego—shone through even in ancient times. Back in those days, birthdays were celebrated only by people like Pharaoh. Common folks didn’t have birthday bashes; their societal standing didn’t generally afford any lavish celebrations.

Interestingly, the ancient Egyptians had a cosmic view of the universe, with the Pharaoh considered a god on Earth. So, celebrating the birthday of Pharaoh in such a magnificent manner wasn't just fun; it was a rich historical tradition to validate his divine rule and maintain social order throughout his kingdom.

In addition, birthday parties in biblical times weren’t always seen as joyous occasions for everyone. The most notable contrasting aspect comes from the story of John the Baptist (found in Mark 6:21). Herod threw a lavish feast, but rather than gifts and laughter, it ended in a tragic moment—the request for John’s head on a platter. This stark divergence from joyful celebration shows us how complex these occasions can even be, depending on one’s standing in society and perspective.

So while we might think of birthdays being purely fun, the case of Pharaoh reminds us that even those crown-wearing figures lived real lives, highlighting indulgence and sometimes the darker sides of power—topics ancient narratives often explore in depth.