Kwanzaa
Do some people celebrate Kwanzaa and Christmas?
Yes! Some people think Kwanzaa is an alternative to Christmas. However, many people celebrate both. Karenga wrote that Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday. “Thus, Africans of all faiths can and do celebrate Kwanzaa," he said. Karenga said that non-blacks can also enjoy Kwanzaa.
How long have people been celebrating Christmas for?
A) 100 years
B) 500 years
C) 1,000 years
D) 2,000 years
D) 2,000 years
How many days in Hannukah?
8 days
What country does Diwali come from?
India
What day do most New Year's Day fesitivites begin?
December 31
A) To celebrate African-American achievements in sports
B) To give black people an alternative holiday to Christmas
D) To honor famous African-American leaders
B) To give black people an alternative holiday to Christmas
Where could you go to learn more valid, accurate information about the history of Christmas?
credible online websites, an encyclopedia, etc.
What is a menorah?
A special candle holder with seven or nine branches that is used in Jewish worship
When does Diwali typically happen? (What month(s))?
October and November
Name a New Year's Eve tradition.
ball drop, kiss at midnight, noisemakers, fireworks...
What types of gifts are encouraged during Kwanzaa?
Homemade and educational gifts
Why did the Norse celebrate Yule from December 21 through January?
A) To honor the god Odin
B) To celebrate the birthday of Jesus
C) To exchange gifts and decorate trees
D) To mark the return of the sun
D) To mark the return of the sun
What is Hannukkah often called?
A) The Festival of Games
B) The Festival of Gifts
C) The Festival of Food
D) The Festival of Lights
D) The Festival of Lights
Which ingredient is used to make the dough for Gulab Jamun?
A) Maida, corn flour, turmeric, and curd
B) Gram flour batter, nuts, and spices
C) All-purpose flour, gram flour, and sugar syrup
D) Flour, yogurt, milk, and milk powder
D) Flour, yogurt, milk, and milk powder
What is a resolution?
a firm decision to do or not do something at the beginning of new year
What does the Swahili phrase 'matunda ya kwanza' mean?
First fruits
Why did the Catholic Church choose December 25 to celebrate the birth of Jesus?
A) Because it was the winter solstice
B) To absorb the customs of the Saturnalia festival
C) To honor the god Mithra
D) Because it was the actual date of Jesus' birth
B) To absorb the customs of the Saturnalia festival
What miracle is associated with Hanukkah and the menorah's candles according to the Talmud?
The menorah's candles burned for eight nights with only enough oil for one day.
What is the artistic practice called that Hindus perform during Diwali to bring good luck?
A) Rangoli
B) Dana
C) Deepavali
D) Seva
A) Rangoli
How did the Babylonians mark the start of a new year?
A) With the rising of the star Sirius
B) With the second new moon after the winter solstice
C) With a giant festival called Akitu
D) With the annual flooding of the Nile River
C) With a giant festival called Akitu
Kwanzaa centers around seven principles. Name 3 of them.
umoja (unity), kujichagulia (controlling your own life), ujima (working together), ujamaa, (supporting each other), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity) and imani (faith).
Why was Christmas outlawed in Boston from 1659 to 1681?
A) Because the Puritans wanted to rid England of indulgence
B) Because King Charles II canceled Christmas
C) Because the pilgrims wanted to celebrate Thanksgiving instead
D) Because Captain John Smith reported that Christmas was not enjoyed
A) Because the Puritans wanted to rid England of indulgence
What do some historians believe about the Hanukkah story?
A) The Jews celebrated Hanukkah by lighting fireworks.
B) Judah Maccabee's brother became the king of Syria.
C) There was a civil war between two groups of Jews in Jerusalem.
D) The first Hanukkah was celebrated with a parage.
C) There was a civil war between two groups of Jews in Jerusalem.
Who is Deven Patel and what does he say about Diwali?
A) A historian who says Diwali is only celebrated by Hindus.
B) A professor at the University of Pennsylvania who says Diwali is a cultural holiday where people get together, have parties, give gifts, and pray for a prosperous future.
C) A cultural anthropologist who says Diwali is celebrated in December.
D) A religious leader who says Diwali marks the end of the year for all communities.
B) A professor at the University of Pennsylvania who says Diwali is a cultural holiday where people get together, have parties, give gifts, and pray for a prosperous future.
What do people in Spain eat right before midnight on New Year's Eve?
a dozen grapes