Christmas is celebrated across the globe, but each country adds its own unique twist to this joyous holiday. From festive food to quirky customs, Christmas traditions reveal the diverse ways people cherish this season of giving and togetherness. How familiar are you with these global Christmas practices? Take this quiz and find out how much you really know!
Question 1: Which Country Hides Brooms on Christmas Eve?
A) Sweden
B) Norway
C) Finland
D) Iceland
Question 2: What Is the Name of Japan’s Famous Christmas Meal?
A) Sushi Feast
B) KFC Dinner
C) Ramen Night
D) Tempura Treat
Question 3: Which Country’s Children Decorate Mango and Banana Trees?
A) India
B) Philippines
C) Thailand
D) Sri Lanka
Question 4: What Unique Tradition Does Ukraine Use to Decorate Their Christmas Trees?
A) Wreaths Made of Corn
B) Spider Web Ornaments
C) Painted Pinecones
D) Dried Flowers
Question 5: Which Country Hosts a Giant Lantern Festival Before Christmas?
A) Philippines
B) Mexico
C) Venezuela
D) Brazil
Question 6: What’s the Meaning of “La Befana” in Italian Christmas Folklore?
A) Santa’s Helper
B) A Christmas Witch
C) A Yule Goat
D) A Christmas Angel
Question 7: In Which Country Do People Wear Roller Skates to Church on Christmas Morning?
A) Colombia
B) Venezuela
C) Argentina
D) Chile
Question 8: Which Animal Represents Christmas in Australia?
A) Kangaroo
B) Koala
C) Emu
D) Wombat
Question 9: What Sweet Treat Is Common in Germany During Christmas?
A) Panettone
B) Stollen
C) Pärola
D) Mince Pie
Question 10: Which Country Celebrates “Krampusnacht”?
A) Austria
B) Hungary
C) Switzerland
D) Germany
Question 11: What Is “Jólabókaflóð” in Iceland?
A) A Christmas Feast
B) A Gift Exchange
C) A Book Flood
D) A Candlelight Festival
Question 12: Which Country’s Tradition Includes “Caganer” Figures in Nativity Scenes?
A) Spain
B) Portugal
C) France
D) Italy
Question 13: Which Country Eats Fried Caterpillars as a Christmas Delicacy?
A) Zambia
B) Zimbabwe
C) South Africa
D) Botswana
Question 14: In Which Country Is “Posadas” Celebrated During the Nine Days Before Christmas?
A) Mexico
B) Guatemala
C) Costa Rica
D) Nicaragua
Question 15: What Is the Unique Christmas Greeting in Hawaii?
A) Mele Kalikimaka
B) Aloha Kalikimaka
C) Hau‘oli Kalikimaka
D) Makahiki Kalikimaka
Answers and Explanations
Question 1: Which Country Hides Brooms on Christmas Eve?
Answer: B) Norway.
In Norway, people hide their brooms on Christmas Eve to keep them safe from witches and evil spirits. This tradition dates back centuries when it was believed that mischievous witches would come out during the holidays to steal brooms for flying.
Question 2: What Is the Name of Japan’s Famous Christmas Meal?
Answer: B) KFC Dinner.
In Japan, Christmas isn’t a public holiday, but the country has embraced a quirky tradition of eating Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) on Christmas Day. Thanks to a 1974 marketing campaign, “Kentucky for Christmas” became a national phenomenon, and many families now pre-order their fried chicken weeks in advance.
Question 3: Which Country’s Children Decorate Mango and Banana Trees?
Answer: A) India.
In India, where Christians make up a small but vibrant part of the population, traditional Christmas trees are rare. Instead, families decorate mango and banana trees with ornaments, lights, and gifts to celebrate the holiday.
Question 4: What Unique Tradition Does Ukraine Use to Decorate Their Christmas Trees?
Answer: B) Spider Web Ornaments.
In Ukraine, people adorn their Christmas trees with spider web ornaments. This custom stems from a folk tale about a poor family who couldn’t afford decorations. On Christmas morning, they woke up to find their tree beautifully covered in spider webs, believed to bring good luck.
Question 5: Which Country Hosts a Giant Lantern Festival Before Christmas?
Answer: A) Philippines.
The Philippines is home to the spectacular Giant Lantern Festival (“Ligligan Parul”) held in the city of San Fernando. Known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines,” this event features dazzling, colorful lanterns crafted by local artisans, symbolizing hope and light.
Question 6: What’s the Meaning of “La Befana” in Italian Christmas Folklore?
Answer: B) A Christmas Witch.
In Italy, children eagerly await La Befana, a kind-hearted Christmas witch who delivers gifts on the night of January 5th, also known as Epiphany Eve. According to legend, she rides a broomstick, leaving candy for well-behaved kids and coal for the naughty ones.
Question 7: In Which Country Do People Wear Roller Skates to Church on Christmas Morning?
Answer: B) Venezuela.
In Caracas, Venezuela, it’s customary for people to attend early morning Christmas Mass while roller-skating through the streets. Roads are even closed to traffic to ensure a safe and festive skating experience.
Question 8: Which Animal Represents Christmas in Australia?
Answer: A) Kangaroo.
While Santa traditionally travels with reindeer, Australians often depict him using kangaroos, known as “Six White Boomers,” to deliver presents in the summer heat.
Question 9: What Sweet Treat Is Common in Germany During Christmas?
Answer: B) Stollen.
Stollen is a traditional German fruit bread filled with marzipan, nuts, and dried fruits. Its powdered sugar coating is said to represent the baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Question 10: Which Country Celebrates “Krampusnacht”?
Answer: A) Austria.
In Austria, the night of December 5th is “Krampusnacht” (Krampus Night), when the terrifying Krampus, a horned creature, roams the streets to scare misbehaving children. This dark counterpart to Saint Nicholas serves as a reminder to be good!
Question 11: What Is “Jólabókaflóð” in Iceland?
Answer: C) A Book Flood.
In Iceland, Christmas Eve is celebrated with the tradition of “Jólabókaflóð” or the “Christmas Book Flood.” Families exchange books and spend the night reading them together, often with a cup of hot cocoa in hand.
Question 12: Which Country’s Tradition Includes “Caganer” Figures in Nativity Scenes?
Answer: A) Spain.
In Catalonia, Spain, nativity scenes often feature a “Caganer”—a humorous figure of a person in the act of defecating. While this might seem odd, it symbolizes fertility and good fortune for the coming year.
Question 13: Which Country Eats Fried Caterpillars as a Christmas Delicacy?
Answer: C) South Africa.
In South Africa, some communities enjoy fried Emperor Moth caterpillars as a seasonal treat. This unique dish is high in protein and often served during the holiday season.
Question 14: In Which Country Is “Posadas” Celebrated During the Nine Days Before Christmas?
Answer: A) Mexico.
“Las Posadas” is a Mexican tradition that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Held over nine days, it includes processions, songs, and festive gatherings.
Question 15: What Is the Unique Christmas Greeting in Hawaii?
Answer: A) Mele Kalikimaka.
Hawaiians celebrate Christmas with the cheerful greeting “Mele Kalikimaka,” which translates to “Merry Christmas” in Hawaiian.
At the End
Christmas is a time of sharing, and by embracing the diversity of global traditions, we can bring even more joy and meaning to the holiday season. After all, the true spirit of Christmas transcends borders, uniting us all in love, hope, and generosity.
Leave a Reply