Les 15 questions du quiz
Question 1 : Who was Saint Sylvester, whose name is associated with New Year's Eve on December 31st?
Réponses possibles :
- 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
Explication : 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?
Réponses possibles :
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- Las Vegas
Explication : 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?
Réponses possibles :
- Dance around a bonfire
- Be the first person to enter a house after midnight
- Ring the local church bells
- Toast with Scottish whisky
Explication : '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?
Réponses possibles :
- 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
Explication : 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?
Réponses possibles :
- Spain
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Portugal
Explication : 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?
Réponses possibles :
- Green
- White
- Pink or red
- Gold
Explication : 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?
Réponses possibles :
- Marseille
- Lyon
- Nice
- Paris
Explication : 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?
Réponses possibles :
- Flowers
- Coins
- Salt
- Dishes
Explication : 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?
Réponses possibles :
- Midnight Bell
- Happy New Year
- Auld Lang Syne
- New Year's Day
Explication : '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?
Réponses possibles :
- Place them under your pillow
- Burn them and drink the ashes in champagne
- Bury them in the garden
- Throw them out the window
Explication : 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?
Réponses possibles :
- To imitate fireworks
- Because polka dots resemble coins
- In tribute to an ancient goddess
- To ward off evil spirits
Explication : 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?
Réponses possibles :
- Australia
- Brazil
- South Africa
- New Zealand
Explication : 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?
Réponses possibles :
- Cognac
- Champagne
- Red wine
- Cider
Explication : 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?
Réponses possibles :
- Tribute to ancestors
- Soul purification
- Victory over the past year
- Joy and renewal
Explication : 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?
Réponses possibles :
- Perth
- Melbourne
- Sydney
- Brisbane
Explication : 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.
