December Celebrations Trivia Quiz

Answer: Christmas

The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the anticipation and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ during the Advent season, which typically begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. The wreath consists of a circular arrangement of evergreen branches, often adorned with candles and other decorations.

The Advent wreath typically holds four candles, each representing one of the four weeks of Advent. A new candle is lit on each Sunday leading up to Christmas. The candles are often arranged in a circle with a fifth candle in the center, known as the Christ candle. Typically, there are three blue or purple candles which represent hope, peace, and love. There is a pink candle which represents joy. Finally, in the middle is a white candle which represents the purity and light of faith.

Candles are one way in which these three celebrations are interconnected.

Answer: Hanukkah

A Chanukiyah, also known simply as a Hanukkah menorah, is a special candelabrum used during the celebration of Hanukkah in the Jewish tradition. It is a nine-branched candelabra which is lit using oil or, more often, candles. Eight of these branches are on the same level, representing the eight nights of Hanukkah, while the ninth branch, often raised or positioned differently, is called the shamash (servant) candle. The shamash is used to light the other candles.

The lighting of the Chanukiyah is a central ritual during Hanukkah. Typically, starting on the first night, the shamash is used to light one candle, and an additional candle is lit on each subsequent night until all eight candles are illuminated (though some traditions differ). The candles are typically placed from right to left but are lit from left to right. The Chanukiyah is often placed in a prominent location, such as a windowsill, to publicly display the Hanukkah lights. It symbolizes the miracle of Hanukkah and serves as a reminder of the importance of religious freedom.

Candles are one way in which these three celebrations are interconnected.

Answer: Kwanzaa

A Kinara is a candleholder used during the celebration of Kwanzaa, a cultural holiday that honors African heritage and community values. The Kinara is a seven-branched candleholder that resembles the Chanukiyah used in Jewish traditions. It is specifically designed for Kwanzaa, representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa known as Nguzo Saba.

The colours of the candles correspond to the colours of the Pan-African flag: red, black, and green. The red candle represents the struggles of the past, the black candle symbolizes the people, and the green candle represents the hope and future. The candles themselves each represents one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, a central part of the celebration. The candles are typically placed from left to right, and the lighting ceremony progresses from left to right as well. The central black candle, called the Mishumaa Saba, is often lit first, followed by the other candles.

Candles are one way in which these three celebrations are interconnected.

Answer: Christmas

Panettone and Yule logs are traditional holiday treats associated with Christmas, and they have their origins in different cultural and culinary traditions. The holiday is celebrated worldwide and Christmas food traditions vary widely from place to place. Each culture and region has its own unique dishes and culinary customs which make for a tasty mix when regional traditions meet.

In many Western countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, roast turkey or ham is a classic centerpiece for Christmas dinners. The meat is often accompanied by stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Panettone is a popular Christmas dessert in Italy while the Yule Log, also called the Bûche de Noël, has roots in medieval European traditions and is a French mainstay. In Latin American countries, you will not have a celebration without tamales while in Sweden, saffron-infused buns called Lussekatter are popular.

Answer: Hanukkah

Latkes and sufganiyot are traditional Jewish foods associated with the celebration of Hanukkah. They are both fried foods, which is significant because Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days during the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The tradition of eating fried foods during Hanukkah serves as a reminder of the miracle of the oil and adds a delicious and festive element to the holiday observance.

Latkes are potato pancakes made from grated potatoes mixed with ingredients such as onions, eggs, and flour. The mixture is seasoned with salt and pepper before being fried until crispy. They are commonly served with sour cream and/or applesauce. Some latkes are nontraditional and may have carrots, yam, or other vegetables as the main ingredient.

Sufganiyot are deep-fried jelly-filled doughnuts. The dough is sweetened and may contain ingredients like milk, butter, and sugar. After frying, sufganiyot are often dusted with powdered sugar and usually filled with fruit jelly, custard, chocolate pudding, dulce de leche (caramel) or other sweet fillings. In my friend's tradition, his mother would play a dangerous game of sufganiyot roulette: she would make a tray of 150-200 sufganiyot that were absolutely delicious, all filled with strawberry jelly save one. The last sufganiyah was filled with ketchup. Going over to his house, you always lived in fear that the sufganiyah that you would bite into was the ketchup one...

Answer: Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a celebration that honors African heritage and culture, and traditional Kwanzaa foods often reflect the diverse culinary traditions of the African diaspora. While specific foods may vary among families and regions, some general themes and dishes are associated with Kwanzaa celebrations.

Fruits and vegetables, especially those harvested during the Kwanzaa season, are a symbol of the first principle, Umoja (unity). These may include items like oranges, bananas, mangoes, and other fresh produce. These are symbolic of Mazao, or crops.

Grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken, beef, or fish, are often part of the Kwanzaa feast. These represent the third principle, Ujima (collective work and responsibility). Collectively, this is known as Nyama, or meat.

Some other traditional Kwanzaa foods may include (but are not limited to) Joloff rice, soul foods like collard greens, cornbread, or sweet potatoes, akara and moi moi (traditional Nigerian dishes), pepper pot soup, or plantains.

Answer: Christmas

Midnight Mass is a traditional Christian worship service held on the night of the 24th of December, leading into the early hours of the 25th, to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This is also known as Christmas Eve. This service is particularly significant in Roman Catholic, Anglican, and some other Christian denominations.

Midnight Mass is a liturgical celebration that includes prayers, scripture readings, hymns, and the Eucharist (which is the Holy Communion or Lord's Supper). The liturgy often follows a special order or format designed for Christmas. The service marks the culmination of the Advent season and the anticipation of the birth of Jesus. It is one of the principal holiday events and is celebrated by many. The congregation typically sings Christmas carols, hymns, and chants that reflect the joyous nature of the occasion.

Answer: Hanukkah

The dreidel is a traditional Jewish spinning top that is associated with the festival of Hanukkah. Apart from its symbolism, it is also a popular game played during the holiday, especially by children. Its design holds symbolic significance related to the events commemorated during Hanukkah.

The dreidel, in Hebrew - a 'sevivon', is a four-sided spinning top with a Hebrew letter inscribed on each side. The letters are Nun (ð), Gimel (â), Hey (ä), and Peh (ô). These letters form an acronym for the phrase "Nes Gadol Haya Poh," meaning "A great miracle happened here". Outside of Israel, the last letter becomes a Shin (ù) and the phrase becomes "Nes Gadol Haya Sham" changing the meaning to "A great miracle happened there".

The dreidel game has its roots in Jewish history, specifically during the time of the Maccabean Revolt. It is said that Jewish children used dreidels as a cover for studying Torah during a time when the study of Torah was prohibited. The dreidel and the game associated with it are symbolic of the events surrounding Hanukkah, particularly the defiance of Jewish traditions during the time of the Seleucid Empire and the subsequent rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

Answer: Kwanzaa

The Unity Cup, known as the "Kikombe cha Umoja" in Swahili, is a symbolic and ceremonial item used during the celebration of Kwanzaa. The Unity Cup is one of the seven core symbols and observance elements of the celebration. It is a symbol of unity and community solidarity. It emphasizes the principle of Umoja, which means unity in Swahili and is the first and foremost principle of Kwanzaa.'

The Unity Cup is typically placed on the Kwanzaa table along with other symbols. During the Kwanzaa celebration, the Unity Cup is used in a special ritual. The eldest family member (or another designated person) pours a libation, which is a ritual pouring of a liquid (often water, juice, or another beverage) as an offering to honor ancestors and to symbolize the connection between the living and the departed. Then, a small amount of liquid from the Unity Cup is poured onto the ground, a plant, or a communal bowl. As the libation is poured, participants may call out the names of ancestors or offer reflections on unity and community.

Answer: Christmas

Caroling, also known as wassailing, is a cherished Christmas tradition where individuals or groups of people sing festive songs, known as carols, to celebrate the holiday season. This joyful activity is a way for people to spread holiday cheer, share the spirit of Christmas, and bring music to communities.

The festive tradition of caroling actually has ancient roots. The practice of singing songs and spreading good wishes during the Christmas season verifiably dates back centuries. The word "carol" originally referred to a festive song or dance. Carolers go door-to-door or gather in public spaces such as town squares, shopping centers, or community events to sing carols.

Traditional carols include well-known songs like "Silent Night", "Jingle Bells", "Deck the Halls", "Joy to the World", and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing". In addition to classics, modern Christmas songs are also popular choices for carolers. However, "All I Want For Christmas is You" is reserved solely for Mariah Carey.

Answer: Hanukkah

Oil holds significant symbolism in the celebration of Hanukkah, specifically in connection with the miracle of the oil that is central to the story commemorated during the festival. The story is associated with the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt.

The Maccabean Revolt, which took place in the 2nd century BCE, was a Jewish uprising against the Seleucid Empire. The revolt was successful, and the Jews reclaimed the Second Temple from the Seleucids. Alas, according to tradition, when the Jews sought to relight the Temple's Menorah (a seven-branched candelabrum), they found only a single jug of uncontaminated oil, enough to last for just one day. What were they to do?! Miraculously, the small amount of oil lasted for eight days, allowing the Jews enough time to prepare and consecrate more oil. This event is often referred to as the miracle of the oil.

The oil in the Hanukkah story symbolizes divine intervention and the resilience of the Jewish people. It serves as a powerful symbol of hope, faith, and the triumph of light over darkness. In connection with the miracle of the oil, it is customary to eat foods fried in oil during Hanukkah. It is often said that the true modern miracle of Hanukkah is getting the smell of fried food out of your home.

Answer: Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is based on a set of guiding principles known as the Nguzo Saba, which means "The Seven Principles" in Swahili. These principles were developed by Dr. Maulana Karenga, the founder of Kwanzaa, in 1966. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of these principles, contributing to a week-long celebration.

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). During the celebration, families and communities come together to celebrate each principle on its designated day. The different rituals are an essential part of the celebration which reinforce and emphasize the values represented by the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.

Answer: Christmas

The Nativity scene is a depiction of the birth of Jesus Christ as described in the Christian Bible. It is a central and widely recognized element of Christmas celebrations in many cultures. The nativity scene typically includes figurines representing key characters and elements of the Biblical story. The nativity scene serves as a visual and symbolic representation of the Christian belief in the incarnation - the belief that God became human in the form of Jesus Christ.

The elements may differ slightly, but often, the following are typical of the scene:

A figurine of the baby Jesus, often placed in a manger (crib, or creche).
The mother of Jesus, Mary.
The earthly father of Jesus, Joseph.
The shepherds who received the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth.
The three wise men who brought gifts to the newborn Jesus. They are traditionally named Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.

The nativity scene is commonly set in a stable or cave to reflect the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth. They are often displayed in homes, churches, public spaces, and as part of Christmas decorations.

Answer: Hanukkah

"Ma'oz Tzur," also known as "Rock of Ages" in English, is a traditional Jewish hymn or liturgical poem sung during the festival of Hanukkah. The song is commonly recited or chanted immediately following the lighting of the Hanukkah candles and is a reflection on historical events and religious themes associated with Hanukkah.

The origins of "Ma'oz Tzur" are attributed to the medieval Jewish poet and sage Mordechai ben Isaac, about whom not much is known. The hymn is part of the Jewish liturgy and is sung in Hebrew. The song recounts the various trials and tribulations faced by the Jewish people throughout history, focusing on events such as the Babylonian exile, the story of Esther, and the Maccabean Revolt, which is the central historical event commemorated during Hanukkah.

Though the song has six stanzas, each dedicated to a different period of Jewish history and the challenges faced by the Jewish people, usually only the first is sung around the lit Chanukiyah.

The lyrics of "Ma'oz Tzur" express gratitude for past deliverance, hope for future redemption, and praise for God's role as the Rock of Ages, the cornerstone of faith. It is a beautiful and poignant element of the Hanukkah observance, connecting the celebration to the broader historical narrative of the Jewish people.

Answer: Kwanzaa

Dashikis and kaftans are traditional African garments that hold cultural significance and may be worn during various celebrations, including Kwanzaa. While they are not exclusive to Kwanzaa, some individuals and families choose to wear these garments as a way to express cultural pride and connect with African heritage during the Kwanzaa celebrations.

A dashiki is a loose-fitting, pullover shirt with a V-neckline. It often features vibrant and colourful African patterns and designs. They originated in West Africa and are associated with various African cultures. They have become a symbol of African identity and pride, worn for both casual and formal occasions.

A kaftan is a long, flowing robe or tunic with wide sleeves, often reaching the ankles. It is known for its loose and comfortable fit. They have a long history in various cultures, including those in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. They are also worn for both everyday and formal occasions.

People incorporate both dashikis and kaftans into their Kwanzaa celebrations as a way to visually express the principles of unity, creativity, and cultural heritage emphasized during the holiday.