Is fall your favorite season? Do you look forward to the day that Starbucks brings back the Pumpkin Spice Latte? Maybe you feel an extra pep in your step when the temperatures drop and the wind dances with colorful leaves.
Now it’s time to prove you’re fall’s #1 fan with this fun trivia quiz on fall traditions around the world. From America’s favorite Halloween candy, to which tree has the most beautiful red foliage—put your knowledge to the test or snag some of these questions for your morning bell ringers!
Which country is credited with popularizing the tradition of carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns?
The tradition of carving jack-o'-lanterns originated in Ireland, where people carved turnips and potatoes to ward off evil spirits. When Irish immigrants came to the United States, they started using pumpkins, which were more abundant.
What is the first day of fall called?
The autumn equinox marks the first day of fall and occurs when day and night are nearly equal in length. It usually happens around September 22-23 in the Northern Hemisphere.
Which tree is known for its vibrant red leaves in the fall?
Maple trees are famous for their vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves during fall, making them a symbol of the season’s beauty, especially in regions like New England.
What is the most popular Halloween candy in the United States?
90 million pounds of chocolate is sold during Halloween week each year, but Reese's Peanut Butter Cups consistently rank as the most popular Halloween candy in the U.S.
Which holiday is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada?
In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October. It’s a time for giving thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year, much like the U.S. version in November.
What is the name of the ancient Celtic festival that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, often celebrated with bonfires and feasts?
Samhain is an ancient Celtic festival celebrated on October 31, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was believed to be a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, and bonfires were lit to honor ancestors and ward off spirits. Many modern Halloween traditions are rooted in this ancient celebration.
What is the full moon closest to the Autumn Equinox called?
The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox. It got its name because its bright light was helpful to farmers harvesting their crops late into the evening.
What is the name of the festival celebrated in Mexico during the fall that honors deceased loved ones and includes vibrant decorations and offerings?
El DÃa de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican festival celebrated from October 31 to November 2. It honors deceased loved ones with vibrant decorations, altars (ofrendas), and offerings of food and flowers, particularly marigolds. This festival celebrates the lives of the departed and allows families to connect with their ancestors, showcasing rich cultural traditions.
In which U.S. state is the famous annual Pumpkin Festival held in?
Keene, New Hampshire, is home to the famous Pumpkin Festival, which has set world records for the most lit jack-o'-lanterns in one place.
Which fall tradition in Southern Germany celebrates the return of cattle from mountain pastures with parades and cows adorned with flowers and bells?
Almabtrieb is a traditional festival in Southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland where cows are herded down from mountain pastures to the valleys as the grazing season ends in fall. The cattle are decorated with flower crowns, bells, and ribbons, and parades often take place in villages to celebrate the successful return of livestock before the onset of winter.
