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Quiz about Mama Always Told Me So
Quiz about Mama Always Told Me So

Mama Always Told Me So Trivia Quiz


Many of us grew up hearing, and sometimes believing, these "old wives tales". These are a few I remember from childhood. (Some may be exclusive to the Southern US.)

A multiple-choice quiz by Coonielady. Estimated time: 4 mins.
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Author
Coonielady
Time
4 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
363,271
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Tough
Avg Score
6 / 10
Plays
2492
Last 3 plays: mikeystarbrook (5/10), Guest 166 (4/10), SixShutouts66 (5/10).
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Question 1 of 10
1. To insure financial success in the coming year, Southerners often eat which two foods on January 1? Hint


Question 2 of 10
2. Sunshine during a rainstorm is said to have what meaning? Hint


Question 3 of 10
3. An unborn baby will be "marked" with certain physical characteristics if the mother experiences what event during her pregnancy? Hint


Question 4 of 10
4. It was once believed that children would be cured of chickenpox if they engaged in what activity? Hint


Question 5 of 10
5. A coworker has just presented you with a gift of a beautiful live plant. What must you NOT do in response? Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. Killing a spider indoors will supposedly bring about what weather event? Hint


Question 7 of 10
7. To avoid serious illness (or possibly even death), which beverage should be avoided when you enjoy a meal of shellfish? Hint


Question 8 of 10
8. To avoid arguments and discord among family members, what article of clothing must never be placed on a bed? Hint


Question 9 of 10
9. Hearing or seeing an owl during daylight hours is an omen of what impending event? Hint


Question 10 of 10
10. According to superstition, which household chore should NEVER be performed on New Year's Day? Hint



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quiz
Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. To insure financial success in the coming year, Southerners often eat which two foods on January 1?

Answer: Collards and black eyed peas

The greens symbolize folded money and the peas relate to coins. The tradition of eating peas actually has its roots in Jewish history, possibly as a gesture of humility. (My family's New Year feast also includes ham hocks for good luck!)
2. Sunshine during a rainstorm is said to have what meaning?

Answer: The devil is beating his wife

I have never been able to find a concrete explanation for the origin of this, but I've heard it all my life. This phrase is common in the Southern United States, as well as Hungary.
3. An unborn baby will be "marked" with certain physical characteristics if the mother experiences what event during her pregnancy?

Answer: She's frightened by an animal

Most of us have heard some variation of this: "Johnny has big eyes because his mommy was startled by an owl while she was pregnant" or "Mary has such long arms because a monkey jumped at her mother before she was born".

Birthmarks are often attributed to foods eaten by expectant mothers. (My mother confesses to eating a lot of raisins before I was born, hence the tiny spot on the back of my right calf.)
4. It was once believed that children would be cured of chickenpox if they engaged in what activity?

Answer: Stood still and allowed chickens to fly over them

This was a fairly common practice, especially in rural areas of the South (in the US) during the early years of the twentieth century. Nobody seems to know how this started, but we can probably assume that it stems from the days when people wrongly believed that chickens actually caused the illness. (Perhaps the thought was that the birds had the power to heal as well!)
5. A coworker has just presented you with a gift of a beautiful live plant. What must you NOT do in response?

Answer: Thank the giver

Telling your friend how much you appreciate her thoughtfulness or that you'll give it a good home is perfectly acceptable, but the belief that saying "thank you" will cause the plant to die is a widespread superstition.

One theory is that thanking the giver will get the devil's attention and he will kill the plant because he knows you treasure it.
6. Killing a spider indoors will supposedly bring about what weather event?

Answer: Rain

There are a lot of beliefs about spiders and they are almost as varied as they are widespread. Some cultures consider them good luck, while others believe them to be a sign of impending tragedy. Spiders were prominently represented in the folklore of ancient civilizations, even considered gods by some.

(This particular legend could be partially factual since the spider may have entered the house to avoid the rain.)
7. To avoid serious illness (or possibly even death), which beverage should be avoided when you enjoy a meal of shellfish?

Answer: Milk

Although medical science has found no basis for this, it is still widely believed that consuming the two together will cause an unhealthy chemical reaction. Many people will not eat New England clam chowder or seafood dishes prepared with milk products for fear of becoming sick.

Some religions prohibit certain foods being served and eaten together, but it is due strictly to religious law.
8. To avoid arguments and discord among family members, what article of clothing must never be placed on a bed?

Answer: Hat

This belief most likely stems from the idea that evil spirits were able to live in the hair. Removing the hat would cause them to spill out and inhabit the area in which the hat was placed, prompting trouble between those who share the bed.
9. Hearing or seeing an owl during daylight hours is an omen of what impending event?

Answer: A death

Like spiders, owls hold a large place in folklore. Some cultures associate them with the release of a human soul. (This may explain the origin of the death omen.)

Although owls are widely associated with witchcraft, they are also considered wise, lucky, and even sacred in some countries.
10. According to superstition, which household chore should NEVER be performed on New Year's Day?

Answer: Laundry

Washing clothes on New Year's Day will cause a loved one to be "washed" from your life during the upcoming year.

(This one is definitely not just a Southern superstition; I've heard friends from all parts of the US mention it.)
Source: Author Coonielady

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Pagiedamon before going online.
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