In which one of these countries is the Chinese New Year NOT an official public holiday?
A. Indonesia
B. Singapore
C. Mauritius
D. Japan
D. Japan
100
Around the holiday season, many Germans enjoy a drink similar to eggnog called what?
A. Schnapps
B. Federweissen
C. Eirlikor
D. Rauchbier
C. Eirlikor
100
The seven-day celebration meaning "the first fruits," which encourages people to think about their African roots as well as their life in present-day America is called what?
A. Nguzo Saba
B. Zawadi
C. Kwanzaa
D. Ujamaa
C. Kwanzaa
100
In what country do Christmas celebrations begin with fireworks displays at midnight on Christmas Eve?
A. Peru
B. Chile
C. El Salvador
D. Canada
C. El Salvador
100
What is the oldest traditional symbol of the New Year in the western world?
A. Fireworks
B. Poinsettias
C. Champagne
D. Baby
D. Baby
200
This Jewish holiday commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman, a Persian royal advisor who, according to the biblical Book of Esther, planned to kill all the Jews in the empire:
A. Purim
B. Yom Kippur
C. Hanukkah
D. Shavuot
A. Purim
200
In what nation is there a festival where you throw tomatoes at other people?
A. Portugal
B. Spain
C. Norway
D. Italy
B. Spain
200
The Day of Reconciliation is a South African public holiday created with the intention of promoting national unity after the end of Apartheid. In which year was it first celebrated?
A. 1995
B. 1990
C. 1984
D. 2004
A. 1995
200
Which nation does not have a harvest season Thanksgiving festival?
A. Germany
B. Colombia
C. Greece
D. Korea
B. Colombia
200
January 1st was selected as the beginning of the New Year because:
A. It's the beginning of the Gregorian calendar
B. It's the beginning of the Jewish calendar
C. It has great agricultural significance
D. Ancient druids considered it the start of a new year
A. It's the beginning of the Gregorian calendar
300
This Hindu festival is also known as the Festival of Colors due the fact that people on this day playfully chase and colour each other with dry powder and coloured water
A. Lohri - Peak of winter festival
B. Ugadi - Hindi lunar new year
C. Holi - Festival of love
D. Onam - Harvest festival
C. Holi - Festival of love
300
In Finland, where do you place candles at Christmas?
A. In a wooden shoe
B. Inside a paper bag half-filled with sand
C. Floating on a pond
D. On graves
D. On graves
300
In the Egyptian festival of Leylet en Nuktah, where families picnic to celebrate the annual rise of the Nile River, what item is examined as a form of light-hearted fortune telling?
A. Hibiscus petals
B. Tea leaves
C. Palm fronds
D. Balls of dough
D. Balls of dough
300
_____ is a traditional Mexican festival which re-enacts the biblical event of Joseph's search for room at the inn.
A. Las Posadas
B. Las Casas
C. Los Animales
D. Los Dos
A. Las Posadas
300
New Year's Eve celebrations started where and when?
A. Ancient Babylonia, about 4,000 years ago
B. China, about 6,000 years ago
C. Germany, around 1,200 years ago
D. Egypt, about 3000 years ago
B. China, about 6,000 years ago
400
Which country has a holiday just to celebrate the national alphabet?
A. Thailand
B. China
C. Japan
D. Korea
D. Korea
400
On December 13th, the Swedish celebrate a holiday honoring ______, who was killed by Roman soldiers about 1500 years ago for refusing to give up his/her religion?
A. Saint Lucia
B. Saint Francis
C. Saint Nicholas
D. Saint Mary
A. Saint Lucia
400
During the Ethiopian festival of Buhe, young boys go door to door singing songs flattering their neighbor's households in order to receive what gift?
A. Candy
B. Small baked rolls
C. Oranges
D. Cashew nuts
B. Small baked rolls
400
In Brazil, what event marks the beginning of the Carnival festival?
A. A samba dance competition is judged by celebrities
B. A large flock of tropical birds are released into the sky in front of the Cristo Redentor statue
C. A 10-minute silent vigil is led by the mayor of Rio
D. The mayor of Rio hands over the keys of the city to the mythical figure, King Momo
D. The mayor of Rio hands over the keys of the city to the mythical figure, King Momo
400
Who established January 1st as New Year's Day?
A. The 27th pope, Pope Damasus
B. Pharaoh Wehemibre Necho II
C. Julius Caesar
E. Marcus Aurelius
C. Julius Caesar
500
On this Japanese holiday, adults and children throw roasted soybeans through their door at friends and family to dissuade ogres from bringing misfortune.
A. Tanabata - Star Festival
B. Setsubun - Day before Spring
C. Obon - Festival of ancestors
D. Hanami - Cherry Blossom festival
B. Setsubun - Day before Spring
500
In this country, it's a tradition for couples to kiss under a cherry tree on May Day in order to ensure happiness and health:
A. Poland
B. the Czech Republic
C. Estonia
D. Belgium
B. the Czech Republic
500
In the month of May the Moroccan city of El-Kelaa M’Gouna hosts a vibrant and aromatic 3-day festival to celebrate what flower?
A. Chrysanthemum
B. Calla Lilly
C. Rose
D. Hibiscus
C. Rose
500
What was the poinsettia named for?
A. Joel R. Poinsett, an American minister to Mexico
B. The scarlet Poinsett skirts traditionally worn during Chilean winter dances
C. The tropical Poinsett parrot known for its bright red plumage
D. The Mayan queen Poins'ett Ik'nal, who was known to favor the plant
A. Joel R. Poinsett, an American minister to Mexico
500
Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of what?
A. Sailors and Children
B. Small animals and nature
C. Generosity and happiness
D. Poverty and Forbearance