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 25 January 6 January 1 December 24

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

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? Fir Mistletoe Holly Pine

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

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

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

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

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