10 Christmas Traditions With Shocking Origins

10 Christmas Traditions With Shocking Origins

Assessment

Interactive Video

History, Religious Studies

9th - 12th Grade

Hard

Created by

Quizizz Content

FREE Resource

The video explores ten disturbing Christmas traditions from around the world. It begins with the violent history of caroling in Britain and the US, followed by Iceland's Yola Kurter, a giant cat that punishes children without new clothes. The pagan festival Saturnalia, with its sacrificial practices, is discussed as a precursor to Christmas. The controversial Dutch tradition of Swati Piet is examined, along with the romantic yet dark history of mistletoe. Victorian Christmas cards with unsettling imagery are highlighted, as well as the true story behind the carol 'Good King Wenceslaus'. The gruesome folklore of Perchta and the resurgence of Krampus, the Christmas demon, are also covered.

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7 questions

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1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was the original purpose of caroling in 17th century Britain?

To spread holiday cheer

To extort money from the wealthy

To celebrate religious traditions

To gather community members

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was the primary reason for the creation of the Yola Kurter legend in Iceland?

To scare away evil spirits

To encourage children to behave

To promote the purchase of new clothes

To celebrate the winter solstice

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was a key feature of the Saturnalia festival?

Exchanging gifts and role reversals

Singing carols door-to-door

Decorating trees with lights

Feasting on traditional meals

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Why has the tradition of Swati Piett faced criticism?

It encourages theft

It involves animal cruelty

It is considered racist

It promotes excessive drinking

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was mistletoe's association in ancient times?

A sign of wealth

A representation of fertility

A mark of wisdom

A symbol of peace

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was the real story behind Good King Wenceslaus?

He was a mythical figure with no historical basis

He was a duke involved in a family power struggle

He was a legendary warrior from ancient times

He was a benevolent king who ruled peacefully

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What role does Krampus play in Christmas folklore?

He delivers gifts to families

He rewards well-behaved children

He punishes naughty children

He decorates homes with festive lights