Mince Pies and Christmas Lies Trivia Quiz

Answer: Silver Sixpence

Traditionally a silver sixpence was added when the pudding was mixed. There was always a hunt for it when the cooked pudding was served on Christmas Day. I remember my Mother was so sorry for those who missed out the first time she made a pud, she made sure there were enough coins to go around in later Christmases. We all had a go at stirring the mixture.

The practice was discouraged when other baser metals were used for coinage.

Answer: Young Woman

In Panto, there are several traditions regarding the players. The Principal Boy is played by an attractive young woman, the Dame is played by an older man, and there is usually a Panto Cow or Horse, being two people, with one standing with the animal's head on his shoulders, the other bent at the hips forming the body and rear legs under a rough hide or cloth. Rather than working together, they often hilariously tie themselves in knots.

Answer: Fruit mixture

In Medieval times, mince pies did in fact contain various minced meats together with fruit and spices.

In more recent times, certainly from the 18th Century, the meat was replaced completely by fruit, sugar and spices to become the filling sweet pie we know today.

Answer: Minced pork or veal

It is traditional to stuff the turkey or other roasted bird, though now it's considered safer to bake the 'stuffing' separately. There are many recipes for stuffing, ranging from simple breadcrumbs, onions and herbs to more elaborate ones containing various minced meats.

Answer: A lump of coal

I'm reliably informed by Jolana from the Czech Republic that St Nick is happy to give good children gifts and nice surprises, but a bad child can expect to find a lump of coal or even rotten tomatoes left behind by a little imp or devil. I wonder who I upset? I've just found a rotten tomato in my fridge.

Answer: Yule

Yule is the modern spelling of a Germanic / Old English term for the mid-winter festival which lasted about 12 days. Thus the 12 Days of Christmas. Christians appropriated the existing feast to celebrate the birth of Jesus, which is generally believed to have happened at that time of year.

Answer: Mistletoe

Mistletoe was greatly revered by Ancient Romans, who would embrace enemies if meeting under mistletoe. The Scandinavians associated the plant with Frigga, Goddess of Love. Kissing under mistletoe was believed to promise good luck and happiness.

Answer: Garland

Wreaths or garlands are commonly hung on front doors at Christmas.
The ancient Romans did the same in pre-Christian times as a sign that they had something worth celebrating, even if it was just a statement of superiority over the neighbours! Roman women often wore wreaths to parties or weddings just to show off how posh they were!

Answer: Fish and seafood

Animal and bird flesh was forbidden during the Advent fasting, although the mythical Barnacle Goose, which was born from a water plant, was exempted. Thus goose was eaten by the rich (so long as it was called a Barnacle Goose). As beaver and otter lived in and near water, monasteries declared them to be fish which could legitimately be eaten during fasts. Never let the facts get in the way of a good meal, I always say!

Answer: Ham or roast pork

I always thought all Scandinavians ate pickled fish as the primary Christmas meal, but find the typical Swedish table groans with very similar foods to the rest of Europe and North America. Roast pork or a nice fat ham dominate the meal. Some parts of Northern Norway still eat cod (a much under-rated fish), while here in Oz it's not uncommon for prawns and crayfish (well, prawns anyway - crayfish has become prohibitively expensive recently) to take pride of place.