wish / desire
desideri
de-zi-DE-ryo
Expressing a secret wish while blowing out birthday candles is universal. In Italy, shooting stars ('stelle cadenti') during the Perseid meteor shower (August 10 — San Lorenzo) are another occasion to express a 'desiderio'.
Esprimi un desiderio mentre spegni le candeline!
Make a wish as you blow out the candles!
Il mio desiderio per il nuovo anno è stare in salute.
My wish for the new year is good health.