CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
Which plant is commonly hung in doorways at Christmas for people to kiss under?
A) Holly
B) Ivy
C) Mistletoe
D) Rosemary
C) Mistletoe - The custom of kissing under mistletoe likely began in England during the early 18th century. The first known reference to this practice appears in a poem from 1784, where it was suggested that any woman standing beneath mistletoe should be kissed. It was considered bad luck for a woman to refuse a kiss under the mistletoe.
A menorah is most closely associated with:
A) Easter
B) Ramadan
C) Hanukkah
D) Boxing Day
C) Hanukkah - A menorah is a seven-branched candelabrum that is a significant symbol in Judaism
Which country is famous for Christmas markets called “Weihnachtsmärkte”?
A) Germany
B) Ireland
C) Spain
D) Denmark
A) Germany - typically held in town squares offering a variety of food, drinks, and seasonal items along with traditional music and dancing
Which holiday food is traditionally left out for Santa in many countries?
A) Bread and olives
B) Cookies and milk
C) Rice pudding
D) Tea and biscuits
B) Cookies and milk -
It started in the 1930s in the United States, which was the time of the Great Depression. While many families struggled financially, there was a push for parents to remind their children that it was important to show gratitude for others.
What red-suited figure delivers gifts on Christmas Eve in many countries?
A) Father Frost
B) Santa Claus
C) La Befana
D) Krampus
B) Santa Claus - originates from folklore traditions surrounding the 4th-century Christian bishop Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children. Saint Nicholas became renowned for his reported generosity and secret gift-giving.
Which country is credited with starting the tradition of decorating Christmas trees?
A) Germany
B) Sweden
C) Canada
D) France
A) Germany - As early as 1747, Moravian Germans in eastern Pennsylvania had a community tree in the form of a wooden pyramid decorated with candles.
A star at the top of many Christmas trees represents:
A) The moon cycle
B) The Star of Bethlehem
C) Seasonal harvest
D) Northern Lights
B) The Star of Bethlehem - which is meant to lead to the birthplace of Jesus
In the UK, what is traditionally pulled apart during Christmas dinner, producing a small toy and paper crown?
A) Holiday popper
B) Boxing cracker
C) Christmas cracker
D) Winter wish tube
C) Christmas cracker - Around 1845, Tom Smith created this and was inspired by the French 'bon bon'
Latkes, eaten during Hanukkah, are primarily made from:
A) Rice
B) Corn
C) Potatoes
D) Lentils
C) Potatoes
In Iceland, the “Yule Cat” is said to:
A) Eat people who don’t get new clothes
B) Bring gifts
C) Guard the Christmas tree
D) Predict the weather
A) Eat people who don’t get new clothes - The Yule Cat makes its rounds across Iceland each year on Christmas Eve, stalking through snowy winter streets, searching for those without new socks or scarves and as punishment, devours them whole.
In Mexico, what is the name of the 9-day Christmas celebration involving reenactments of Mary and Joseph’s journey?
A) Las Fallas
B) La Tomatina
C) Las Posadas
D) El Camino
C) Las Posadas - is an extended devotional prayer. It is celebrated chiefly in Latin America (El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras) and by Hispanic and Latino Americans. It is typically celebrated each year between December 16 and December 24.
The word “Hanukkah” means:
A) Light
B) Dedication
C) Winter blessing
D) Celebration of peace
B) Dedication - Hanukkah, a Jewish festival, runs from Dec 15-22
Which country hides a broom on Christmas Eve so witches won't steal it?
A) Norway
B) Italy
C) Greece
D) Poland
A) Norway -
According to the superstition, on Christmas Eve, witches and other evil spirits come out to fly and cause mischief. Since brooms were seen as the primary “means of transport” for witches, people feared that they would invade homes to steal brooms for their nocturnal flights. To prevent this, it became customary to hide brooms on Christmas Eve.
Italy’s Christmas Eve meal often avoids which ingredient?
A) Pasta
B) Meat
C) Seafood
D) Olive oil
B) MEAT (Feast of the Seven Fishes) - it is considered a day of fasting or penance
La Befana, celebrated in Italy, is a:
A) Flying reindeer
B) Holiday witch bringing gifts
C) Snow queen spirit
D) Mountain goat guardian
B) Holiday witch bringing gifts similar to Santa
Which European country is known for the tradition of the “Yule Goat,” often made of straw?
A) Italy
B) Sweden
C) Portugal
D) Austria
B) Sweden - The Yule goat in Nordic countries today is best known as a Christmas ornament.
In many European cultures, what does the color red symbolize during winter holidays?
A) Protection and warmth
B) Harvest season
C) Royalty
D) Travel
A) Protection and warmth
Which Eastern European country celebrates Christmas with a 12-dish meatless meal symbolizing the 12 apostles?
A) Croatia
B) Ukraine
C) Estonia
D) Hungary
B) Ukraine - which may include:
In Japan, which unexpected fast-food item became a Christmas tradition after a famous 1970s advertisement?
A) Pizza Hut
B) KFC
C) McDonald’s
D) Sushi takeout
B) KFC
According to Mexican folklore, poinsettias became red when:
A) They grew in volcanic ash
B) Days grew shorter and the air turns cold
C) They were painted by monks
D) Children got toys
B) Days grew shorter and the air turns cold - symbolizing life, death, and rebirth
In Iceland, children place shoes on the windowsill to receive gifts from how many “Yule Lads”?
A) 3
B) 7
C) 9
D) 13
D) 13 - The Yule Lads are a group of 13 mischievous pranksters from Icelandic folklore who visit homes during the 13 nights leading up to Christmas.
The rangoli art designs displayed during Indian festivals are created using:
A) Sand, rice powder, flowers
B) Metal plates
C) Woven straw
D) Carved ice blocks
A) Sand, rice powder, flowers
Which Indigenous Canadian celebration honors the winter season with feasting, storytelling, and dance?
A) Snow Moon Festival
B) Witiko Ceremony
C) Powwow of Lights
D) Midwinter Ceremony (Haudenosaunee)
D) Midwinter Ceremony (Haudenosaunee) - marks the beginning of the new year and is a time for renewal, thanksgiving, and community bonding, celebrated over several days in January.
Which Indian festival features sweets called laddoos, barfi, and jalebi as part of celebratory feasts?
A) Onam
B) Diwali
C) Holi
D) Navratri
B) Diwali - celebrated in October for Hindu New Year
Krampus, from Alpine folklore, traditionally accompanied which figure?
A) The Nutcracker
B) Saint Nicholas
C) King Wenceslas
D) Father Christmas
B) Saint Nicholas - Krampus on the otherhand, was a figure with horns and punished naughty children hence 'coal for Christmas'