Origins of Christmas Traditions

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. Celebration of the Christmas holiday is commanded in the Christian New Testament scriptures. True False

2. When does the Armenian Orthodox Church celebrate Christmas? December 24 December 25 January 6 January 1

3. Who fixed December 25th as the official nativity date? Bishop Liberius Emperor Constantine Jesus Christ Pope Pius

4. The Christmas date may have been set on December 25th in an effort to supplant the worship of what Roman god? Julius Caesar Jupiter Sol Invictus Mars

5. What plant, now used as a symbol of Christmas, was once associated with the Roman god Saturn and later used in Celtic tradition? Mistletoe Holly Pine Fir

6. During whose reign did the practice of decorating Christmas trees first become popular England? Elizabeth II Elizabeth I Victoria Henry VIII

7. This plant, now a Christmas symbol, was regarded as a divine branch by the Druids, and represented reconciliation. Holly Mistletoe Fir Pine

8. Which of the following was not at the manger in the Biblical account of Christ's birth? The magi Joseph The shepherds Mary

9. According to modern Christian legend, what does the candy cane represent? Christ's purity A shepherd's staff Christ's blood All of these

10. In the East, St. Nicholas was regarded as the patron saint of whom? Women Sailors Toymakers Virgins