During the Christmas celebrations and the upcoming New Year’s parties, people tend to drink more alcohol drinks. Do they know the origins of their drinks?
From which European countries do the following alcoholic drinks come?
Please, note that you can use some countries more than once. Every right answer gets one point. Score: 10.
2. RETSINA
3. KIR
4. CHIANTI
5. WHISKEY
6. PORT
7. PILS
8. HOCK
9. CLARET
10. SHERRY
if you completed yesterday’s quiz, you might be eager to see how many answers you got right:
Quiz 1 – ANSWERS
• Advent (Start) – Various Countries: Advent is the period of preparation for Christmas, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas (usually at the end of November or the beginning of December). This is observed in most Christian countries across Europe with different traditions such as Advent calendars and wreaths.
• St Barbara/Barborky (December 4) – Czechia: According to folklore a branch from a ten-year-old cherry tree had to be cut when the first ray of sun fell on it. It was then taken to the house of an unmarried girl and if it blossomed on Christmas Eve the girl would find a groom in the coming year. Barborkyis still a typical pre-Christmas decoration found in many homes.
• Feast of St. Nicholas (December 6) – Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland: Known as “Sinterklaas” in the Netherlands, St. Nicholas’ Day celebrates the patron saint of children. It is a significant holiday, especially for children who receive gifts in his honor.
• Day of the Immaculate Conception (December 8) – Italy, Spain, Portugal: A religious observance for many Roman Catholics, marking the belief that Mary was conceived without original sin.
• Saint Lucia’s Day (December 13) – Sweden, Norway, Finland: Celebrated mostly in Sweden and Scandinavia, marking the beginning of the Christmas season with candlelit processions and traditional foods.
• El Gordo (December 22) Spain: The big lottery draw in Spain taking place on 22. Dec.
• Christmas Eve (December 24) – All European Countries: Christmas Eve is the night before Christmas Day and is often celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and church services. In many countries, this is the main day for gift-giving.
• Christmas Day (December 25) – All European Countries: Celebrated across Europe as the birth of Christ, it is a public holiday in most countries, marked by family celebrations, religious services, and feasts.
• Boxing Day (December 26) – United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia: Traditionally, this is the day for giving gifts to the less fortunate and for sporting events.
• St. Stephen’s Day (December 26) – Hungary, Austria, Ireland, Czech Republic, Slovakia: A religious holiday in honour of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, observed in several countries.
• St. John’s Day (December 27) – Finland, Sweden, parts of Italy: This day is celebrated as the feast day of St. John the Evangelist, especially in parts of Scandinavia and Italy.
• Holy Innocents’ Day (December 28) – Spain, Italy, Portugal: This is observed in many Catholic countries to remember the massacre of infants by King Herod.
• New Year’s Eve (December 31) – All European Countries: A time to celebrate the end of the year with parties, fireworks, and gatherings, leading into New Year’s Day.
January
• New Year’s Day (January 1) – All European Countries: The first day of the year is celebrated widely with various traditions. It is a public holiday in most European nations, often associated with parades, fireworks, and New Year’s resolutions.
• Feast of the Epiphany (January 6) – Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, S. Germany: The Epiphany celebrates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. In many countries, this marks the end of the Christmas season with parades, parties, and traditional desserts such as the “King Cake.”
• Orthodox Christmas (January 7) – Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Georgia, Armenia, Belarus: Celebrated by Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar, this is a major holiday in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Serbia.
• St. Agnes’ Day (January 21) – England, Italy: While not directly tied to Christmas, this day is celebrated in some places and marks the feast day of St. Agnes, associated with some pre-Lenten traditions.
These dates vary across regions and religions, with each country having its own customs and holidays associated with the Christmas season, such as local saints’ days, unique celebrations, and regional variations.
