Through The Ancestry Looking Glass

Welcome to Our Holiday Genealogy Quiz Extravaganza!

1. On what day did the original 12 Days of Christmas begin? a) December 12th b) December 24th c) December 25th d) December 26th

2. In the UK, what do people often pull apart during Christmas dinner? a) Christmas Crackers b) Wishbones c) Party Poppers d) Candy Canes

3. What is the significance of the Winter Solstice in many Native American cultures? a) A time to celebrate the return of the sun b) A period of mourning c) The start of the New Year d) A time for planting crops

4. Which country has a tradition of finding a hidden almond in the Christmas pudding? a) Sweden b) Denmark c) Norway d) Finland

5. Which Native American tribe is known for celebrating the annual “Soyaluna” or “Soyal” ceremony during the winter solstice? a) Navajo b) Hopi c) Cherokee d) Sioux

6. Which Christmas tradition involves children leaving their shoes out for gifts? a) France – Saint Nicholas Day b) Italy – Epiphany c) Germany – Nikolaustag d) Spain – Three Kings’ Day

7. In which country is it a tradition to eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve for good luck? a) Brazil b) Spain c) Mexico d) Italy

8. Which country is credited with starting the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree? a) Germany b) Norway c) Sweden d) Finland

9. What type of events do migrant workers from various backgrounds often organize to celebrate their heritage, featuring traditional music, dance, food, and crafts? a) Fiestas b) Cultural Festivals c) Family Reunions d) Harvest Celebrations

10. What do people in Japan traditionally eat for Christmas dinner? a) Turkey b) Sushi c) KFC d) Tempura

11. Where does the phrase “Mum’s the word” originate from?* a) Greek mythology b) Medieval England c) Shakespearean plays d) Roman Empire

12. What is Santa Claus called in France? a) Papa Noel b) Father Christmas c) Santa Klaus d) Pere Noel

13. What is the name of the holiday celebrated by Jewish people around the same time as Christmas? a) Hanukkah b) Kwanzaa c) Diwali d) Eid

14. In which country did the tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace originate? a) United States b) Netherlands c) England d) Germany

15. What is the most popular Christmas plant that is native to Mexico? a) Holly b) Poinsettia c) Mistletoe d) Ivy

16. What faith taught the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song to help them learn their faith during religious restrictions? a) Protestant b) Orthodox c) Catholic d) Anglican

17. In which country do people celebrate “Las Posadas” during Christmas? a) Mexico b) Spain c) Italy d) Portugal

18. Which holiday, celebrated by many Mexican migrant workers, honors deceased loved ones with altars, offerings, and festive gatherings? a) Cinco de Mayo b) Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) c) Las Posadas d) Navidad

19. Which traditional Christmas beverage is also known as “milk punch”? a) Eggnog b) Hot Chocolate c) Mulled Wine d) Wassail

20. Which Native American tribe celebrates the “Green Corn Festival,” a tradition of giving thanks and renewal? a) Cherokee b) Navajo c) Iroquois d) Sioux

21. Which European country is known for its tradition of the “Yule Goat,” a symbol associated with the Yule season and Christmas? a) Finland b) Sweden c) Norway d) Denmark

22. Which traditional holiday celebrated by African Americans focuses on honoring African heritage and family values? a) Juneteenth b) Diwali c) Hanukkah d) Kwanzaa

23. In Mexico, what holiday tradition involves reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem? a) Dia de los Muertos b) Las Posadas c) Cinco de Mayo d) Navidad

24. Which country is known for creating the “Yule Log” cake, a traditional dessert served during Christmas? a) Germany b) France c) Italy d) Austria

25. In which country do people celebrate Christmas by having a “Feast of the Seven Fishes”? a) Spain b) Portugal c) Italy d) Greece

Answers: 1)c, 2)a, 3)a, 4)b, 5)b, 6)c, 7)b, 8)a, 9)b, 10)c, 11)b, 12)d, 13)a, 14)d, 15)c, 16)c, 17)a, 18)b, 19)a, 20)a, 21)b, 22)d, 23)b, 24)b, 25)c.

*In Midieval Englad the mummers would often go door to door during the holiday season, performing silent plays and mimes. They were known for their elaborate costumes and masks, and they would only communicate through gestures, remaining silent except for making sounds like “mum.” This silent performance style is actually where they got their name, “mummers.”