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This quiz explores New Year celebrations and customs from around the world.
1
What do Greek people hang on their doors for good luck after coming back from the New Year's Day Church Service?
Onions
Garlic
Lemons
Olive branches
7% got this right
Post-New Year's church, hanging onions symbolizes good luck, new beginnings, fertility, and growth.
2
Joya no Kane (除夜の鐘) lit. 'midnight bell' is a Japanese Buddhist event held on New Year's Eve. How many times is it rung?
30 —
108
— 130
20% got this right
It rings 108 times to symbolise the cleansing of the 108 worldly desires.
3
What do Danish people do at midnight to symbolise leaping into the New Year?
Climb to the highest point in the room
Dance in a circle
Jump off a chair
Throw fireworks
13% got this right
You all then have a good old sing-along to ‘Vær Velkommen Herrens År (Welcome to the Lord’s New Year).
4
Iris reveal
What colour do people dress in in New Year's Eve in Brazil?
White
Blue
Green
Yellow
23% got this right
Wearing white on New Year's Eve in Brazil symbolizes peace and warding off bad spirits.
5
What is the luckiest shape for objects and patterns in your house to have in the Phillipines to bring in the New Year?
Round
Crescent
Square
Star
28% got this right
People wear polka dot clothes and have round fruits in the house to symbolise prosperity and good fortune.
6
Finns perform a form of divination called molybdomancy at New Year. What metal do they use to pour into cold water?
Tin
Copper
Lead
Silver
21% got this right
The shape of the solidified metal is then interpreted to predict the future.
7
What colour of underwear is considered lucky by Italians to be wearing to bring in the New Year?
Red
Blue
Green
White
56% got this right
In Italy, wearing red underwear guarantees luck and success for the year ahead.
8
12 sequential squares
What would you carry round the block in Columbia at midnight if you wanted to ensure a year of travel?
A suitcase
A compass
A map
A ticket
26% got this right
It is supposed to inspire 12 months of travel.
9
If you lived in South Africa, what might you choose to throw out the window at New Year to symbolise new beginnings.
Furniture
Broken dishes
Confetti
Fireworks
17% got this right
In a Johannesburg suburb, despite police crackdowns, tossing unwanted items symbolises shedding baggage for the New Year
10
What are acceptable gifts for 'first-footing' in Scotland?
Black bun
Coal
Whisky
Analgesics
74% got this right
"First-footing" in Scotland involves gifting coal, shortbread, or whisky to ensure a year of warmth, food, and cheer.
