Global Winter Traditions
Which country’s Christmas tradition includes placing a pickle ornament in the tree, with the finder receiving good luck?
What is Germany (though widely believed, its origins are debated).
What country is credited with originating the yule log cake (bûche de Noël)?
What is France.
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of which holy site?
What is The Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Which messenger angel appears by name in the Nativity story?
Gabriel
The Times Square ball drop is a New Year's Eve tradition began in what year, where the first ball was made of wood and iron?
What is 1907
In which country do families celebrate Noche de Rábanos, an entire festival dedicated to carved radishes on December 23?
What is Mexico (Oaxaca).
The medieval British dish mincemeat pie originally contained what now-unusual ingredient?
What is meat (usually mutton or beef).
What Hindu festival, often occurring in late autumn, is widely called the “Festival of Lights”?
What is Diwali.
What is the traditional name of the plant associated with the original Christmas “carol” “Here We Come A-Wassailing”?
What is the apple tree (from old orchard wassailing traditions).
In Spain, what food must be eaten—one piece with each clock chime—for good luck?
What is 12 grapes.
During Štědrý den, unmarried Czech women throw what item over their shoulder to predict marriage?
What is a shoe.
Which spice, heavily used in holiday baking, was once so valuable it was traded like gold and helped fuel European colonial expansion?
What is Nutmeg.
During Kwanzaa, which of the seven principles is associated with the lighting of the black candle?
What is Umoja (Unity).
What 19th-century poem solidified many modern Santa Claus traditions, including his reindeer?
What is “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (’Twas the Night Before Christmas).
The Songkran festival marking the Thai New Year is best known for what activity?
What is Massive water-throwing celebrations.
What Indigenous group in Alaska celebrates Nalukataq, a midwinter festival involving blanket-tossing?
What is the Iñupiat.
What nation’s Christmas tradition includes KFC as the holiday meal, due to a highly successful 1970s marketing campaign?
What is Japan
In Sweden’s St. Lucia Day, what symbolic item does the Lucia figure traditionally wear on her head?
What is a crown of candles.
The name Rudolph did not originate from folklore but from a 1939 story written for which U.S. retailer?
What is Montgomery Ward.
Iran’s Nowruz includes a symbolic table with seven items beginning with which letter of the Persian alphabet?
What is “S” (Seen).
In which country is Krampusnacht traditionally observed on December 5, where the Krampus accompanies Saint Nicholas?
What is Austria.
The earliest recorded recipe for eggnog likely evolved from what medieval European drink favored by aristocracy?
Posset.
What ancient Roman festival, influencing modern Christmas practices, was celebrated with gift-giving, role reversal, and feasting on December 17–23?
Saturnalia.
In Icelandic folklore, the mother of the Yule Lads is a fearsome giantess who devours misbehaving children.
Name her.
What is Grýla.
In Denmark, people leap into the New Year from what everyday household object?
What is a chair.