Monday Jazz

1. From which country did eggnog originate?

• France

• Switzerland

• Netherlands

• England

Answer explanation

While culinary historians debate its exact lineage, most agree eggnog originated from the early medieval" British drink called posset, which was made with hot milk that was curdled with wine or ale and flavored with spices.

Tags

CCSS.RF.3.3B

CCSS.RF.3.3C

CCSS.RF.3.3D

CCSS.RF.4.3A

CCSS.RF.5.3A

1. Which U.S. state was the first to declare Christmas Day an official holiday?

• Oklahoma

• Alabama

• Arkansas

• Florida

Answer explanation

Alabama was the first state to officially recognize Christmas in 1836. Oklahoma was the last, in 1907.

1. Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree?

• Italy
• England

• France
• Germany

Answer explanation

Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition—as we now know it—by the 16th century when sources record devout Christians bringing decorated trees into their homes. Some built Christmas pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles if wood was scarce.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

1. Which U.S. state has the largest Christmas tree plantation?

• Oregon

• North Carolina

• Michigan

• Wisconsin

Answer explanation

It may not surprise you that the state of Oregon is number one in the country for Christmas tree farms – after all, the fir tree is even represented on the state flag, and there are nearly 4 million Christmas trees grown in the state each year (that's 30% of all Christmas trees in the U.S.).

1. 
   What fruit is traditionally put inside a Christmas stocking?

• Pineapple
• Banana
• Watermelon
• Orange

Answer explanation

The tale says that St. Nicholas tossed the gold down the man's chimney, where it ended up in the daughters' stockings, which were drying by the fire. Later in history, people began to honor the story and saint by gifting oranges instead of spheres of gold.

The celebrated “Christmas Truce” temporarily halted fighting during which war?

• World War I

• World War II

• Korean War

• Vietnam War

Answer explanation

The Christmas truce (German: Weihnachtsfrieden; French: Trêve de Noël; Dutch: Kerstbestand) was a series of widespread unofficial ceasefires along the Western Front of the First World War around Christmas 1914.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.8

CCSS.RI.9-10.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

1. What is the traditional Christmas meal in Japan?

• Sushi

• KFC

• Ramen

• Tempura

Answer explanation

The Japanese have their unique traditions, especially when it comes to Christmas cuisine, and one particular dish has become synonymous with the holiday season – fried chicken. Yes, you read that right! A bucket of KFC fried chicken has become a must-have for many Japanese households on Christmas day since 1970.

In what modern-day country was Saint Nicholas born?

• Greece
• Italy
• Spain
• Turkey

Answer explanation

There are many myths and stories surrounding Saint Nicholas. What historians and theologians can agree on was that he born in the 4th century to a wealthy family in Patara, in present-day Turkey.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

In which country is it a tradition to fill children's clogs with candy and treats on December 5?

• Netherlands

• France

• Italy

• Germany

Answer explanation

This takes place in the Netherlands. The tradition started in the 15th century when poor children would put their shoes in church and the rich would fill them for their owners to find on December 6, the anniversary of the death of Saint Nicholas. Later they started leaving them out to be filled at home.

Are Santa’s reindeer male or female?

• Male
• They are genderless
• Both male and female
• Female

Answer explanation

Both male and female reindeer have antlers, but they shed them annual and grow a new, larger set every year. Only females still have antlers at Christmastime since males shed them before winter begins once mating season has ended, so Santa’s reindeer must all be female.