Eat-Q Test: Winter Holidays (Answers)

1. D. Sufganiyot are an Israeli delicacy that symbolizes the miracle of the oil lamps that burned for eight days in the ancient Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
Source: Moskin, Julia. “Out of the Fryer, Into the Lights.” New York Times, 21 Dec. 2005.

2. F. The pagan winter solstice tradition of “wassailing,” or greeting neighbors with a mug of warm cider or ale thickened with frothed eggs, dates back to pre-Christian fertility rituals in which crops and trees were sprinkled with spiced cider to ensure a good harvest the following autumn.
Source: “Christmas Absurdities and Wassail-Type Drinks to go With Them.” Canberra Times, 26 Dec. 1999.

3. A. Benne cookies are traditional African snacks that are often eaten on Kwanzaa for good luck.
Source: Marter, Marilynn. “Kwanzaa Meals Reflect Family Choice, Tradition.” The Philadelphia Inquirer. 27 Dec. 2000.

4. C. According to Buddhist legend, a maiden brought the Buddha a bowl of rice and milk after his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
Source: Smith, Alden. “How To Celebrate Bodhi Day.” DoItYourself.com, n.d., accessed 1 Oct 2010.

5. H. This celebratory Mexican sweet drink is often served during Las Posadas, the days leading up to Christmas Eve.
Source: Olivera, Mercedes. “Mexican Custom Blends Christmas’ Religious, Festive Aspects.” The Dallas Morning News, 16 Dec 1998.

6. B. During Diwali, celebrants share these sweet dumplings—traditionally fried in ghee—with family members and friends.
Source: Pataki, Amy. “Sweets are Diwali Highlights.” The Toronto Star, 21 Oct 1998.

7. J. Kamaboko is an osechi ryori, a type of small dish traditionally eaten on the Japanese New Year holiday.
Source: Urakami, Hiroko. “Japanese Home Cooking: Osechi ryori.” The Daily Yomiuri, 30 Dec 1993.

8. G. In Japan, a Christmas feast usually includes fried chicken—often from Kentucky Fried Chicken, which launched a successful campaign linking its specialty dish with the holiday in the 1970s—and sponge cakes layered with whipped cream and strawberries.
Source: Makay, Ian. “Christmas: The Global Celebration.” GlobalGourmet.com, n.d., accessed 13 Oct 2010.

9. E. On Saint Lucy’s Day in Sweden, the oldest daughter in each family will wake up before dawn and serve her family these delicious saffron buns while dressed in a white gown with a wreath of greenery and lit candles upon her head.
Source: Demetrius, Alice. “Santa Lucia Starts Swedes’ Yuletide.” The Dallas Morning News, 10 Dec 1994.

10. I. The hair-like seaweed in this dish symbolizes wealth and is believed to bring good luck when eaten during the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration.
Source: Jung, Susan. “The Fine Taste of Tradition.” South China Morning Post, 31 Jan 1997.

Your Eat-Q Score:
10 Correct: You will have good luck in the new year
6-9: Your pagan drum circle is in sync
3-5: Your oil only lasted for five nights
2 or Fewer: You’re a Scrooge