Winter around the world
Which country is famous for winter “ice hotels” made entirely of snow and ice?
A) Switzerland B) Canada C) Finland D) Austria
Finland
In many cultures, ringing bells at the end of the year symbolizes:
A) Scaring away bad energy B) Calling for good harvest C) Celebrating ancestors D) Warming the home
Scaring away bad energy
Snow appears white because it:
A) Contains salt B) Reflects all light wavelengths C) Absorbs heat D) Has air bubbles
B) Reflects all light wavelengths
Miso soup, a warm winter dish in Japan, is made primarily from fermented:
A) Rice B) Seaweed C) Soybeans D) Barley
Soybeans
Which winter sport involves athletes sliding down an ice track feet-first on a small sled?
A) Skeleton B) Luge C) Bobsleigh D) Tobogganing
B) Luge
In which country do people celebrate “Krampusnacht,” featuring a creature who accompanies St. Nicholas?
A) India B) Chile C) Austria D) South Africa
Austria
In Spain and parts of Latin America, people eat 12 of what at midnight on New Year’s Eve for luck?
A) Almonds B) Grapes C) Olives D) Cherries
Grapes
What is the term for animals lowering body temperature and metabolism to survive winter?
A) Estivation B) Hibernation C) Migration D) Diapause
B) Hibernation
In India, “masala chai” gains popularity in winter due to its spices. Which spice is NOT typically part of traditional chai?
A) Cardamom B) Cloves C) Cinnamon D) Paprika
D) Paprika
Which country is traditionally dominant in long-track speed skating and holds many Olympic medals in the sport?
A) Netherlands B) Japan C) Canada D) Austria
Netherlands
Which culture traditionally celebrates the cold-season festival known as “Dongzhi,” marking the return of longer days?
A) Chinese B) Kenyan C) Brazilian D) Greek
Chinese
Which country celebrates “Hogmanay,” a multi-day New Year tradition involving “first-footing”?
A) Ireland B) Portugal C) Scotland D) Denmark
Scotland - Hogmanay: The name itself refers to New Year's Eve, but the festivities often continue on New Year's Day and sometimes January 2nd, which is a public holiday in Scotland. A central Hogmanay tradition involves being the "first-foot" to cross the threshold of a friend's or neighbor's home after midnight. Traditionally, the first-foot should be a tall, dark-haired male to bring good luck for the new year.
What is the average snowflake’s shape based on?
A) Air pressure B) Wind speed C) Temperature and humidity D) Sunlight
C) Temperature and humidity
Which Eastern European soup made with beets is often enjoyed warm in winter?
A) Gazpacho B) Borscht C) Tom Yum D) Rasam
Borscht - It is typically made by combining meat or bone stock with sautéed vegetables, which—as well as beetroots—usually include cabbage, carrots, onions, potatoes, and tomatoes.
Where did modern downhill (alpine) skiing originate?
A) The Swiss Alps B) Telemark, Norway C) The Austrian Tyrol D) The French Pyrenees
B) Telemark, Norway during the mid-1800s.
What Scandinavian concept celebrates finding warmth and coziness during the darkest months?
A) Wabi-sabi B) Hygge C) Pura vida D) Lagom
Hygge - is a Danish and Norwegian term for a quality of coziness and comfortable contentment, often evoked by creating a warm, inviting atmosphere
Japan’s end-of-year tradition “Ōmisoka” typically includes which activity?
A) Building snow shrines B) Eating long noodles C) Jumping over waves D) Burning lanterns
Eating long noodles called toshikoshi soba
Which phenomenon creates colorful lights in winter skies at high latitudes?
A) Solar storms B) Atmospheric rivers C) Aurora borealis D) Light scattering
C) Aurora borealis
Which hearty stew is traditionally associated with Ireland?
A) Borscht B) Pozole C) Irish stew D) Hotpot
C) Irish stew - Stobhach Gaelach in Gaelic, is the national dish of Ireland, traditionally made with lamb or mutton, potatoes, and onions, simmered slowly to create a hearty, comforting meal
Which winter sport originated from the Sámi people using skis to move through snowy terrain?
A) Alpine skiing B) Ski jumping C) Nordic skiing D) Snowboarding
Nordic Skiing - Indigenous people of Sámi include a region with northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia.
Which country hosts an annual “Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival” featuring entire cities carved from ice?
A) Mongolia B) Norway C) China D) Poland
Harbin, China
Which culture marks the winter solstice with “Shab-e Yalda,” a night of poetry, fruit, and gathering?
A) Persian/Iranian B) Finnish C) Kenyan D) Maori
Persian/Iranian
What is the scientific term for powdery, dry snow that forms in very cold temperatures?
A) Graupel B) Hoarfrost C) Rime D) Champagne powder
D) Champagne powder
The Korean winter dish “samgyetang,” eaten for warmth and health, is a soup made with:
A) Pork and ginger B) Beef and radish C) Chicken and ginseng D) Fish and rice
C) Chicken and ginseng
In curling, what is the term for the precise technique of releasing the stone with a controlled spin?
A) The heave B) The slide-out C) The peel D) The delivery
D) The delivery)