The 15 quiz questions
Question 1 : Who was Saint Sylvester, whose name is associated with New Year's Eve on December 31st?
Possible answers:
- A 4th century pope who died on December 31st
- The first pope to bless a new year
- A monk who created the Gregorian calendar
- A Roman emperor converted to Christianity
Explanation: Saint Sylvester I was Pope from 314 to 335 and died on December 31, 335. This is why the Catholic Church celebrates his feast day on December 31st, giving his name to this evening.
Question 2 : In which American city does the famous 'Ball Drop' take place every December 31st?
Possible answers:
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- Las Vegas
Explanation: The crystal ball drop at Times Square in New York has been a tradition since 1907. This ceremony attracts millions of spectators both on site and on television.
Question 3 : What is the Scottish tradition of 'First-Footing' practiced on New Year's Eve?
Possible answers:
- Dance around a bonfire
- Be the first person to enter a house after midnight
- Ring the local church bells
- Toast with Scottish whisky
Explanation: 'First-Footing' is a Scottish tradition where the first person to cross the threshold after midnight brings luck and prosperity. Ideally, it should be a dark-haired man carrying symbolic gifts.
Question 4 : Why do Italians traditionally eat lentils on New Year's Eve?
Possible answers:
- For their shape that resembles coins
- Because they were the first food of the Roman year
- For their golden color symbolizing wealth
- To honor the Roman goddess Fortuna
Explanation: In Italy, lentils are eaten because their round shape resembles coins. This tradition symbolizes the hope for financial prosperity in the new year.
Question 5 : In which country is it traditional to eat exactly 12 grapes at midnight?
Possible answers:
- Spain
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Portugal
Explanation: In Spain, tradition calls for eating 12 grapes at the 12 strokes of midnight, one for each month of the coming year. Each grape represents a wish for the following months.
Question 6 : What color underwear do Brazilians traditionally wear to attract love?
Possible answers:
- Green
- White
- Pink or red
- Gold
Explanation: In Brazil, wearing pink or red underwear on New Year's Eve is believed to attract love and passion. White, on the other hand, symbolizes peace and purification.
Question 7 : In which French city does the largest traditional street New Year's Eve celebration take place?
Possible answers:
- Marseille
- Lyon
- Nice
- Paris
Explanation: The Champs-Élysées in Paris welcomes hundreds of thousands of people each year to celebrate New Year's Eve. It is the largest public gathering in France for this occasion.
Question 8 : What do Danes traditionally throw in front of their friends' doors on December 31st?
Possible answers:
- Flowers
- Coins
- Salt
- Dishes
Explanation: In Denmark, breaking dishes in front of friends' doors is a sign of affection and brings good luck. The more broken pieces in front of your door, the more popular you are!
Question 9 : What is the name of the song traditionally sung at midnight in English-speaking countries?
Possible answers:
- Midnight Bell
- Happy New Year
- Auld Lang Syne
- New Year's Day
Explanation: 'Auld Lang Syne' is a traditional Scottish song popularized by Robert Burns in the 18th century. The lyrics evoke memories of the past and enduring friendship.
Question 10 : In Russian tradition, what should you do with your wishes written on paper?
Possible answers:
- Place them under your pillow
- Burn them and drink the ashes in champagne
- Bury them in the garden
- Throw them out the window
Explanation: In Russia, it is traditional to write your wishes on paper, burn it, and mix the ashes into champagne that you drink just after midnight so that the wishes come true.
Question 11 : Why do Filipinos wear polka dot clothes on New Year's Eve?
Possible answers:
- To imitate fireworks
- Because polka dots resemble coins
- In tribute to an ancient goddess
- To ward off evil spirits
Explanation: In the Philippines, round patterns like polka dots are considered lucky because they resemble the shape of coins, thus symbolizing financial prosperity.
Question 12 : In which country do people throw old furniture out of windows at midnight?
Possible answers:
- Australia
- Brazil
- South Africa
- New Zealand
Explanation: In South Africa, particularly in Johannesburg, there is a tradition of throwing old objects out of windows to symbolize letting go of the past and welcoming the new year.
Question 13 : What beverage is traditionally associated with New Year's Eve in France?
Possible answers:
- Cognac
- Champagne
- Red wine
- Cider
Explanation: Champagne has become the emblematic drink of New Year's Eve in France. This tradition developed in the 19th century, with champagne symbolizing celebration and French elegance.
Question 14 : What do fireworks launched at midnight on December 31st symbolize?
Possible answers:
- Tribute to ancestors
- Soul purification
- Victory over the past year
- Joy and renewal
Explanation: Fireworks traditionally symbolize joy, hope, and renewal. They spectacularly mark the transition to the new year and symbolically chase away evil spirits.
Question 15 : In which Australian city does one of the first major New Year's fireworks shows take place?
Possible answers:
- Perth
- Melbourne
- Sydney
- Brisbane
Explanation: Sydney is one of the first major cities in the world to celebrate New Year due to its time zone. Its pyrotechnic show around the Opera House and Harbour Bridge is world-famous.
