New Year Celebrations Trivia Quiz

Answer: Auld Lang Syne

The tradition includes joining hands and singing. During the last verse participants' arms are crossed in front of their chest. As the song ends, everyone rushes to the center, then back out only to turn around and face outwards.

There are many other festivities which include fire, storytelling and, not surprisingly, whiskey drinking.

Answer: Yes

Christmas trees were banned in Russia, but a New Year's tree, or novogodnaya yolka, became a holiday symbol in 1935. Ded Moroz and his granddaughter Snegurochka often attend parties and bring presents for children.

Another favorite treat is an Olivier salad, made mainly from mayonnaise, boiled potatoes, carrots, dill pickles, green peas, eggs and boiled chicken (there are variations by location or availability of ingredients).

Answer: flowers

West African slaves were not allowed to observe their worship, and merged some traditions with Catholicism, creating Candomblé. Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea, protects the sailors and fishermen. Celebrants not only offer gifts by throwing them into the sea, but also jump over seven waves to bring strength to the new year.

Answer: they are burned or exploded

These effigies could be of famous folk, such as politicians or actors, or even Transformers and Minions. They are set outside for everyone to view until they are burned at midnight on New Year's Eve. New Year celebrations continue until Three Kings' Day on January 6. There are also many parties with good food, wine, singing and dancing.

Answer: kiss someone

The New York celebrations did include fireworks, but when they were banned, the ball was fashioned and made its debut in 1907. Kissing someone at midnight is supposed to banish loneliness for the upcoming year. Many celebrants also drink champagne to herald the new year.

Answer: red envelopes

The red envelopes, or "hong bao" are usually given to younger children. The celebrations also include fireworks, cleaning the house, and decorating with lanterns, paint, and paper cutting with red being the prominent color.

Answer: pomegranate

The pomegranates often hang by the door through the holiday season. Just before midnight (or as the clocks begin to strike), the house lights are turned off and the family exits the home. The Kalo Podariko (first footing) then begins with someone pure of heart entering with the right foot first.

The second person to enter is the one to smash the pomegranate with the amount of luck reflected in the number of seeds (more seeds = more luck).

Answer: Dinner for One

Originally shown in Germany in 1963, the 17-minute sketch is broadcast each year while folks gather around to watch. Some other German traditions include fireworks, good luck charms, melting lead and church bells.

Answer: smashed at front doors

The breaking of the dishes traditionally brings luck to the friend, neighbor or loved one when they are broken on their doorstep. This might be a great way to get rid of broken dishes, but what a mess to clean up!

Another favorite tradition is the monarch's speech. This dates back the a "toast to the fatherland" by Christian IX in the 1880s. Keeping up with technology, these were broadcast on radio, and have been televised since 1958.

Answer: 12, one per month

The object is to start as the bells begin and finish eating all 12 grapes before they stop. It's quite a challenge to chew and swallow the 12 green grapes before the bells stop ringing. Apparently, the tradition started because they were trying to figure out what to do with bumper crops of grapes.