Festive Foods Around the World
Panettone is a tall, sweet bread loaf filled with dried fruit and is a classic holiday dessert in which country?
Italy
In which European country do children traditionally leave out their shoes by the door or fireplace on the eve of Saint Nicholas (December 5th) to be filled with treats?
The Netherlands
This cheerful holiday song repeats the phrase ‘Feliz Navidad’. What language is that phrase in, and what does it mean?
Spanish, meaning Merry Christmas
In Russian and some Slavic traditions, the winter gift-bringer Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) is often accompanied by his granddaughter. What is her name?
Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden)
In the Catalonia region of Spain, there is a tradition involving a smiling wooden log called ‘Tió de Nadal’ that is ‘fed’ in December and then symbolically ‘poops’ small presents and candy when children hit it with sticks. Is this real or made up?
REAL – It’s called ‘Tió de Nadal’ or ‘Caga Tió’.
In many families, especially in Mexico and the southwestern United States, what wrapped dish made of masa and fillings is a Christmas Eve tradition?
Tamales
In which Nordic country is there a tradition of hiding brooms on Christmas Eve to keep witches or mischievous spirits from stealing them?
Norway
O Tannenbaum’ is a traditional carol whose title means ‘O Christmas Tree’ in which language?
German
Icelandic folklore tells of a group of mischievous brothers who visit children in the 13 days before Christmas, leaving small gifts or rotten potatoes. What are they called?
The Yule Lads
In Caracas, Venezuela, it is a tradition for many people to roller-skate through the streets to early morning Christmas Mass during the week before Christmas.
Real tradition or made up?
REAL – It’s a well-known Caracas holiday tradition.
In which country is it a popular modern tradition to eat KFC for Christmas dinner?
Japan
The ‘Giant Lantern Festival’, featuring massive, colorful star-shaped lanterns, takes place each December in which country?
The Philippines
These songs are associated with which winter holiday celebrated in Jewish communities?
Hanukkah
In Italian folklore, a kindly old woman flies on a broomstick and delivers gifts to children on the night of January 5th. What is her name?
La Befana
In Japan, families traditionally hang octopus-flavored candy canes on their trees and eat them on New Year’s Eve.
Real tradition or made up?
MADE UP – This is not a traditional Japanese custom.
Stollen is a dense, fruit-filled bread topped with powdered sugar and eaten during the Christmas season in which country?
Germany
Día de las Velitas (‘Little Candles Day’) marks the beginning of the Christmas season with thousands of candles and lanterns lighting streets and windows. In which country is this celebrated?
Columbia
Carol of the Bells’ is based on a folk chant (‘Shchedryk’) from which country?
Ukraine
In Alpine folklore (Austria and parts of Germany), which horned, scary figure is said to punish naughty children during the holiday season?
Krampus
In the Swedish city of Gävle, a giant straw Yule Goat is built each year for the holidays, and almost every year people attempt to burn it down.
Real tradition or made up?
REAL – The Gävle Goat is a famous (and often vandalized) Swedish holiday decoration.
These golden saffron buns, shaped like curled S’s with raisins, are eaten on Saint Lucia’s Day in Scandinavia. Name either the pastry or the country most associated with them.
Lussekatter (Saint Lucia Buns), especially in Sweden
Many European cities have famous Christmas markets, but one of the best-known and oldest is held in the city of Nuremberg. In which country is Nuremberg located?
Germany
‘Auld Lang Syne’ is traditionally sung on New Year’s Eve and originated in which country?
Scotland
In many Slavic traditions, the personification of winter and the bringer of snow and frost is known as ‘Ded Moroz’. In English, he is often called what?
Father Frost (or Grandfather Frost)
In Finland, many families have a tradition of going to the sauna together on Christmas Eve as part of their holiday celebration.
Real tradition or made up?
REAL – A Christmas sauna is a common Finnish tradition.