New Year Traditions
Where did the tradition of lighting fireworks on New Year's Eve begin?
China
What foods make up a traditional Southern New Year's meal?
Pork, greens, black eyed peas, and cornbread
In some countries, ________ are used to make bonfires on New Years day
Christmas trees
Which Roman emperor introduced January 1st as the start of the new year?
Julius Caesar
What is recorded as the most common New Year's resolution?
To get healthier / exercise more
In Scotland, what is the first visitor to your house after midnight on New Year’s Eve called?
The first-footer
The city where a countdown is done with an elevator
Seattle
In the Netherlands, what food is eaten on New Year's Eve, to bring good luck in the new year?
Dutch beignet (an oliebol)
What does “Auld Lang Syne” in the famous Scottish New Year song mean?
“Time gone by”
Which animal will represent the Chinese Zodiac in 2026?
The Horse
What color underwear is considered lucky for New Year’s in Italy and Brazil?
Red
Which country celebrates the New Year by breaking pomegranates for good luck?
Greece
Where does the festival that involves "demons" scaring children into obeying their parents on New Years Eve take place?
Japan
According to the ancient Roman calendar, in what month did the new year begin?
March
What gifts are given to babies born on New Year's?
Usually baby supplies such as diapers and formula, money, and sometimes certificates or photo ops.
During the Lunar New Year, what food is gifted and eaten to symbolize good luck, success, and abundance?
Citrus Fruits, such as tangerines, oranges, and pomelos.
Matariki, the Māori New Year, is also the name for what cluster of stars (also known as the Seven Sisters)?
The Pleiades
In Bolivia, _____are baked into sweets and whoever finds them has good luck for the next year.
Coins
Which two ancient Winter Solstice/ New Year festivals can the New Year's kiss be traced back to?
Roman Saturnalia and Viking Hogmanay
Who were the first people to create New Year's resolutions?
The Babylonians
In Spain, eating 12 _______ is said to bring you good luck in the New Year.
Grapes
This "group" activity is known to be performed on New Year's day and to bring you good luck in the coming year. It involves a body of water.
The Polar Bear Swim
In Judaism, what is the New Year called?
Rosh Hashanah
January was named after this Roman God
Janus, the god of doors and gates
According to the International Date Line, where on Earth is New Year’s celebrated first each year?
The Kiritimati Atoll in Kiribati