Young at Heart Trivia Quiz

Answer: Halloween

Halloween is a contraction of the phrase "All Hallows Evening" (or the night before All Hallows (All Saints) Day on November 01). It is also believed that Halloween may be based in part on the Celtic festival of Samhain. In the United States, many children dress in various costumes and go door to door, where they receive candy or other small treats. Other children and adults may dress in costume for Halloween parties.

The object in the picture is a jack o'lantern or carved pumpkin. The tradition of carving shapes into various fruits and vegetables goes back hundreds if not thousands of years. In some countries, other vegetables such as turnips are used. On Halloween, many families decorate their homes with jack o'lanterns.

Answer: Christmas

Christmas commemorates Jesus's birth. It is celebrated in many parts of the world with many distinct customs. In the United States, many families which celebrate Christmas decorate their homes with stockings hanging near the fireplace or a nativity set (a representation of Jesus's birth).

The object in the picture is a Christmas tree. This idea originated in Germany. The original trees were real but nowadays some families use artificial trees.

Answer: Easter

For Christians, Easter represents Jesus rising from the dead. Easter is considered a "moveable feast" which means it is not on a set day. For Protestants and Catholics, Easter is on the first Sunday after the first full moon of Spring. In the Orthodox Christian Church, Easter occurs somewhat later in the year. The Easter Bunny became connected with Easter over time. He shares a similar role to Santa Claus--judging whether children have been good or not and rewarding the good children with candy and other treats.

The picture shows two colored eggs. Eggs--representing the empty tomb of Jesus--are a symbol of Easter.

Answer: St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick is thought to have introduced Christianity to the people of Ireland. The holiday of St. Patrick's Day is associated with the color green perhaps because Ireland is associated with the color green (Ireland is called the Emerald Isle).

The object in the picture is a shamrock or three-leaf clover. St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the idea of the Christian Trinity (three Persons in one God) to the people of Ireland.

Answer: Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving occurs on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States and the second Monday in October in Canada. In both countries a family meal is part of the celebration. Both countries also feature nationwide broadcasts of football games on Thanksgiving--the National Football League in the United States and the Canadian Football League in Canada. In the United States, the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys traditionally play on Thanksgiving.

The object in the picture is a football.

Answer: Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is named for St. Valentine, a Roman priest who is said to have secretly married soldiers to their sweethearts at a time when the Roman Emperor did not allow soldiers to be married. Today, Valentine's Day is a holiday focused on happy couples. Flowers and candy are often exchanged.

The object in the image is a heart, often a symbol of Valentine's Day.

Answer: Hanukkah

Hanukkah commemorates events from the Books of the Maccabees. After fighting off an attack, the community wished to re-dedicate the Temple in Jerusalem. There was only enough oil to light the lamps for one evening, but it lasted for eight days. Many Jewish families keep a hanukkiah, a special lamp with spaces for eight candles (for each of the eight nights) plus a ninth spot to hold an extra candle that lights the other candles. Another common object during Hanukkah is a dreidel, a four-sided top that children can use to play a game.

The object in the picture represents a hanukkiah.

Answer: Mother's Day

Mother's Day or a day like it exists in many countries. In the United States, Anna Jarvis (1864-1948) led the push to have Mother's Day recognized in every state in the United States. Many people give their mothers gifts on Mother's Day such as greeting cards, flowers, and candy. Anna Jarvis, however, disagreed with this and thought people should write handwritten letters to their mothers expressing their feelings of gratitude.

The object in the picture is a flower which is a common Mother's Day gift.

Answer: Father's Day

Father's Day in the United States became more commonly celebrated as Mother's Day was being established. Previously, many Catholic countries honored fathers on March 19, the feast day of St. Joseph. Throughout the world, Father's Day is celebrated in many countries each of which has its own traditions. Common gifts in the United States are greeting cards, ties, and tools.

The object in the picture is a neck tie.

Answer: Independence Day

Independence Day in the United States is connected with Declaration of Independence. Many communities in the United States will hold a parade on that day. Fireworks are also often part of the celebration. Many families have barbecues on Independence Day. Another popular activity in the United States on that day is attending a baseball game.

The object in the picture is a US flag. Flags are often displayed on Independence Day.