Winter Celebrations
Many celebrations occur near the shortest day of the year. What is this day called?
Winter solstice
Arroz con gandules is cooked in what kind of sauce?
Sofrito
True or false: Hanukkah is the most popular Jewish holiday.
False
How many days of Kwanzaa are there?
7
True or false: Christmas originally began as a pagan holiday.
True
Saturnalia is a Greek winter holiday that honors which Greek god?
Saturn, the god of agriculture.
What is tembleque?
Shaved ice shaped like a pyramid
What is a dreidel?
A 4 sided top it is also yiddish for “turn”
What year was Kwanzaa created?
1966
The three kings gave Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and ____
Myrrh
What famous Wonder of the World is thought to be associated with ancient Winter Solstice celebrations?
Stonehenge is positioned to face the sunset on Winter Solstice, so some believe it was used in celebrations of the holiday.
A coquito is a drink made of eggnog and
rum
Who was the first U.S. president to recognize Hanukkah in the White House?
Jimmy Carter in 1979
What is the candle holder for Kwanzaa called?
Kinara
When was the term "X-mas" invented?
The mid 1500s by the Greeks (fun fact: "Christos" in Greek begins with the letter 'X')
During the Norse celebration of Yule people believed each spark from the burning log would bring what?
The birth of a new piglet or calf.
Pasteles are wrapped in what kind of leaves?
banana
What is the candle holder for Hanukkah called?
Menorah
Which number is the most symbolic of the Kwanzaa celebration?
Seven. There are seven letters in Kwanzaa and seven days for the celebration that includes seven principles and seven primary symbols.
Today Advent spans the four Sundays before Christmas, but how long were the first Advent celebrations?
In the early days, advent lasted 40 days.
Which country is the first to celebrate New Year’s Day each year?
The small pacific island nation of Tonga is the first to experience January first each year.
What other flavor is tasted in traditional arroz con dulce?
Coconut
How many candles does a menorah hold?
9
Kwanzaa is a week long celebration. When does it start?
Dec 26th
The nine days of Las Posadas honor the nine months Mary spent doing what?
Being pregnant with the baby Jesus.