New Years - Traditions, Resolutions, Celebrations

Which civilization celebrated the start of each new year with a religious festival called Akitu?

• Ancient Greece

• Ancient Babylon

• Ancient Egypt

• Ancient Rome

What event marked the start of the new year in ancient Egypt?

• The annual flooding of the Nile

• The rising of the star Sirius

• The winter solstice

• The vernal equinox

Who introduced the Julian calendar and made January 1 the first day of the year?

• Julius Caesar

• Romulus

• Pope Gregory XIII

• Numa Pompilius

Which Roman god is honored on January 1, the first day of the year?

• Janus

• Tiamat

• Caesar

• Marduk

What is the most iconic New Year's tradition in the United States?

• Eating grapes at midnight

• Watching fireworks

• Singing 'Auld Lang Syne'

• Dropping a giant ball in Times Square

Which food is traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve in Cuba, Austria, Hungary, Portugal, and other countries?

• Pork

• Rice pudding

• Lentils

• Black-eyed peas

What is the significance of eating legumes on New Year's Eve in many parts of the world?

• They bring good luck for the coming year

• They are believed to ward off evil spirits

• They resemble coins and symbolize future financial success

• They are considered a traditional New Year's food

What is the origin of the tradition of making New Year's resolutions?

• Ancient Babylonians making promises to earn the favor of the gods

• Medieval Europeans celebrating the Feast of the Annunciation

• Ancient Romans exchanging gifts with one another

• Christian leaders temporarily replacing January 1 as the first day of the year

What is the name of the famous New Year's Eve event that takes place in New York City's Times Square?

• The Times Square Party

• The Midnight Celebration

• The Fireworks Spectacular

• The Ball Drop

What is the traditional New Year's dish in the Southern United States?

• Pickles

• Rice pudding

• Ring-shaped cake

• Hoppin' John