New Years History
December 31st is also known as
New Year's Eve
Where can you go to watch the famous ball drop on New Year's Eve?
The word January comes from this language.
a) Latin b) German c) Russian
Latin
What is a popular non-alcoholic drink often used to ring in the New Years?
Sparkling Grape/Apple Juice
S. Martinelli & Company
After Russians write down their New Year’s wish on a piece of paper, what do they do with it?
Burn it
Before calendars, ancient civilizations often tracked time-based on the phases of what?
The Moon
What are some things people might do on New Year's Eve in the United States? (Name at least 4)
Watching fireworks displays, attending parties, family gatherings, concerts, praying, writing a New Year’s Resolution, or sleeping.
In Italy, what color underwear do people wear on New Year’s Eve to bring good luck and love?
Red
In Scottish traditions, who do you kiss at midnight on New Year's Eve?
Everyone in the room
When do the Chinese celebrate New Year?
Somewhere in the period from January 21st to February 20th.
Chinese New Year 2025 will fall on Wednesday, January 29th.
What year did they first do the Ball Drop for New Year?
a) 1907 b) 1937 c) 1967
New Year's Eve 1907. An electrician was hired to construct a lighted Ball to be lowered from the flagpole on the roof of One Times Square. The Iron Ball was only 5 feet in diameter!
In this country, they eat Soba noodles as a popular dish for New Years
a) South Korea b) China c) Japan
Japan
On which day do many people give up on their New Year’s resolutions?
a) The first Friday in January b) The end of January c) The second Friday in January
The second Friday in January, informally known as Quitters Day
Name 2 of the top 3 places to celebrate New Year's in the United States.
Las Vegas, Disneyworld and New York City
The Persian New Year, Nowruz, begins on the first day of which season?
On the first day of spring, Nowruz begins at the exact moment of the Northern Hemisphere's vernal equinox, typically between March 19 and 22.
Which Pope introduced the Gregorian calendar, which most of the world uses today?
a) Pope Francis b) Pope Gregory XIII c) Pope Pius VI
Pope Gregory XIII
The Polar Bear Swim is a unique Canadian tradition started by Peter Pantages in what year?
a) 1949 b) 1920 c) 1925
Its initial swim was in 1920 when a small number of swimmers took the plunge into English Bay on New Year's Day. Led by their founder, Peter Pantages, the swim has grown from around 10 swimmers to the new record of 8,683 official entries set in 2024.
Hanging onions is a New Years Eve tradition in this country
A) Italy B) Greece C) Mexico
B. Greece
This many people usually gather in New York City’s Times Square to watch the ball drop.
A) 1 million B) 500,000 C) 3 million
1 million
Based on the time zone, what major country celebrates New Year's first?
a) Russia b) New Zealand c) Australia
New Zealand
This infamous Roman dictator is credited with making January 1st a National Holiday
a) Julius Caesar b) Constantine I c) Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa
Julius Caesar
This country wears white on New Year's Eve to attract peace and happiness.
a) Columbia b) Brazil c) Peru
Brazil
As far as New Year’s Eve plans go, how many people choose to stay home?
a) 23% b) 65% c) 53%
According to a CivicScience poll, 53% of people stay home with their families.
Name at least 3 of the top 10 places in Canada to celebrate New Year's Eve.
Niagara Falls, Winnipeg, Banff, Calgary, Ottawa, Vancouver, Yellowknife, Montreal, Quebec City, Whitehorse
In Ethiopia, New Year’s Day is celebrated in September, and is called what?
a) Enkutatash b) Songkran c) Rosh Hashanah
Enkutatash is the Ethiopian New Year, but unlike New Year's celebrations in many other parts of the world, it doesn't take place on December 31 but on September 11.