Q 01/05

Which European country originated the modern Christmas tree tradition in the 16th century?

A) England

B) Germany

C) Italy

D) Sweden

Answer · why

B) Germany

The modern Christmas tree tradition arose in 16th-century Germany; Martin Luther is often credited with first adding lighted candles to an indoor ever...

Q 02/05

Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, originated as a day for what purpose?

A) Tipping tradespeople and servants

B) Watching sporting events

C) Feasting on Christmas leftovers

D) Exchanging unwanted gifts

Answer · why

A) Tipping tradespeople and servants

Tipping tradespeople and servants was done with a 'Christmas box' of money or gifts; tradesmen went round their customers on the day to collect theirs...

Q 03/05

In Alpine folklore, which horned figure joins Saint Nicholas on 5 December to punish naughty children?

A) Krampus

B) Perchta

C) Knecht Ruprecht

D) Belsnickel

Answer · why

A) Krampus

Krampus is said to punish the naughty with birch rods while the saint hands out small gifts; on that evening, called Krampusnacht, costumed devils par...

Q 04/05

Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of which month of the Hebrew calendar?

A) Tishrei

B) Nisan

C) Kislev

D) Adar

Answer · why

C) Kislev

Hanukkah begins on 25 Kislev; because the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, the festival falls anywhere from late November to late December on the civil c...

Q 05/05

Which Swahili word for 'Unity' names the first principle of Kwanzaa?

A) Imani

B) Ujima

C) Umoja

D) Nia

Answer · why

C) Umoja

Umoja is the first day's reply to the Kwanzaa greeting 'Habari gani?', which is answered each day with that day's principle; it calls for unity in the...