Holiday Kids: History of the Calendar and New Year's Traditions Around the World

The video explores the history of the calendar, highlighting the transition from the Babylonian Akitu festival to the Julian and Gregorian calendars. It discusses New Year's traditions worldwide, including unique customs in Spain, Italy, and Japan. The video also covers New Year's resolutions, tracing their origins to the Babylonians, and examines US-specific traditions like the Times Square ball drop and college football games.

Which ancient festival is considered the first New Year's celebration?

• Saturnalia

• Akitu

• Beltane

• Lupercalia

Who was the Roman god after whom January is named?

• Neptune

• Apollo

• Janus

• Mars

Which calendar do we currently use?

• Gregorian calendar

• Hebrew calendar

• Lunar calendar

• Julian calendar

In which country do people eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year's Eve?

• Spain

• Italy

• France

• Brazil

What food is eaten in Japan on New Year's Day to symbolize a long life?

• Mochi

• Rice cakes

• Long buckwheat noodles

• Sushi

What is the name of the life-sized doll burned in some Latin American countries on New Year's Eve?

• Mr. New Year

• Mr. Old

• Mr. Memories

• Mr. Goodbye

What is a New Year's resolution?

• A tradition

• A wish

• A firm decision to do something

• A celebration

Who is credited with writing the song 'Auld Lang Syne'?

• Walter Scott

• Robert Louis Stevenson

• Andrew Lang

• Robert Burns

In what year was the first Times Square New Year's Eve ball dropped?

• 1904

• 1945

• 1907

• 1920

What is the weight of the current Times Square New Year's Eve ball?

• 2,200 pounds

• 5,770 pounds

• 9,000 pounds

• 12,000 pounds