';
Scroll
Spirits are low. Winds chill to the bone. Sunlight is in short supply. Considering how depressing winter can be, it’s no surprise that humans – doing what humans do best – have been finding ways to make the coldest, darkest season more bearable ever since the discovery of fire.
Are you familiar with festivals old and new that introduce light, joy and fellowship to the winter months around the world? It’s time to find out.
1. Often called ‘Christmas markets’, festive winter markets are a favourite custom throughout Europe and North America during the winter holidays. Where can you find the largest Christmas market in the world?
Correct!
Wrong!
-
2. Though many of the largest and most famous winter markets are found in German-speaking countries, they don’t have a monopoly on the concept. One of Europe’s oldest, most beautiful and most popular Christmas markets can be found in which French city?
Correct!
Wrong!
-
3. Speaking of France, Lyon hosts a world-class winter event each December that draws thousands of visitors to the city. What is the festival called?
Correct!
Wrong!
-
4. During ancient times in late December, pagans in northern Europe would observe a twelve-day winter solstice festival that is believed to have given rise to some Christian Christmas traditions, such as Christmas trees. What was this festival called?
Correct!
Wrong!
-
5. Have you been behaving? On 5 December in southern Germany and Austria, a frightening figure – half-goat and half-demon – is said to accompany the benevolent St. Nicolas and punish naughty children. Many cities and towns have dedicated an entire festival to this folkloric monster whose name is…
Correct!
Wrong!
-
6. In Scotland, locals ring in the new year with age-old traditions like first-footing – being the first person to set foot in the home of a friend or neighbour after midnight and bringing symbolic gifts such as coal, whisky or shortbread. What is the Scottish name for New Year’s Eve?
Correct!
Wrong!
-
7. Up Helly Aa is another Scottish winter festival, observed in various Shetland communities between January and March to officially end the Yule season. What is the main event of any Up Helly Aa celebration?
Correct!
Wrong!
-
8. If you like to watch things burn, head to Brighton, England on 21 December to mark the winter solstice at Burning the Clocks. Said burning clocks, however, are not real clocks. They are actually…
Correct!
Wrong!
-
9. Dongzhi is an important festival in China and parts of Asia, observed in late December to welcome the winter solstice with feasting and family gatherings. Traditionally, this day is thought to mark an increased flow of positive energy, and is the day on which everyone is considered to be…
Correct!
Wrong!
-
10. On 13 December in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, you may see girls dressed in white robes wearing a wreath of candles on their heads. Though some historians trace the origins of this celebration to the solstice festivals of pagan times, today the traditions pay homage to the Christian figure…
Correct!
Wrong!
-
11. Taking place in June, the Peruvian winter solstice was marked by the ancient Inca people in a celebration called Inti Raymi, honouring which sacred deity?
Correct!
Wrong!
-
12. Traditions in which country dictate that the winter solstice, called Shab-e Yalda, is observed by enjoying nuts and pomegranates, lighting candles and reciting poetry from 14th-century poet Divan-e Hafez?
Correct!
Wrong!
-
13. Awe-inspiring snow and ice festivals are popular events in the world’s northern reaches, usually featuring ice sculpture exhibitions and all manner of cold-weather activities like ice skating, snowshoe racing and dog sledding. The largest such event takes place annually in what Chinese city?
Correct!
Wrong!
-
14. Another major winter wonderland event is the Sapporo Snow Festival, which is held each year in February in what country?
Correct!
Wrong!
-
15. You haven’t truly experienced Québec City if you’ve never attended its Winter Carnival, the oldest and most beloved of Canada’s winter festivals. Every February the event warms hearts with its celebration of all things hibernal, overseen by the iconic jolly mascot named…
Correct!
Wrong!
-
16. Tired of shivering in your boots? Take off to the Bahamas where the streets explode with colour and music in a Carnival-esque atmosphere on 26 December. The costumes are exquisite, the steel drums are thumping, and the party never stops. This rollicking celebration is called…
Correct!
Wrong!
-
[Photo question 15: Carnaval de Québec]
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.