Christmas Legends & Folklore Trivia Trivia Quiz - Trivia Quiz

1 In Central European folklore, who is the horned companion of St. Nicholas that punishes misbehaving children?

A. Père Fouettard

B. Knecht Ruprecht

C. Krampus

2 Which figure in Italian folklore is a kindly witch who delivers gifts to children on Epiphany Eve?

A. Mari Lwyd

B. Frau Perchta

C. La Befana

3 In Icelandic tradition, what fearsome feline is said to prowl during Yuletide and prey on those who didn’t receive new clothes?

A. The Yule Cat (Jólakötturinn)

B. Black Shuck

C. Barghest

4 What are the 13 mischievous figures who visit Icelandic children on the nights leading up to Christmas called?

A. Yule Lads (Jólasveinar)

B. Huldufólk (hidden people)

C. Kallikantzaroi

5 According to a popular Ukrainian legend, what inspired the use of tinsel on Christmas trees?

A. Angel hair left by cherubs

B. A spider’s web that turned to silver

C. Icicles formed by the North Wind

6 In Scandinavian folklore, which household spirit protects farms and expects a bowl of Christmas porridge?

A. Leprechaun

B. Kobold

C. Tomte/Nisse

7 Who is the Slavic winter gift-bringer often depicted traveling with his granddaughter Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden)?

A. Joulupukki

B. Sinterklaas

C. Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost)

8 Which Welsh tradition features a decorated horse skull carried from house to house for wassailing songs and riddles?

A. Calennig

B. Obby Oss

C. Mari Lwyd

9 What is the straw figure associated with Nordic Yule festivities, sometimes represented by a large community display?

A. Hobby horse

B. Yule Goat (Julbock)

C. Jultomte

10 In German folklore, which figure visits homes ahead of Christmas, scolding naughty children and sometimes wearing tattered furs?

A. Knecht Ruprecht

B. Krampus

C. Belsnickel

11 In Dutch tradition, what do children typically leave in their shoes for Sinterklaas’s horse on St. Nicholas’ Eve?

A. Stockings hung by the chimney

B. A carrot or hay in their shoes

C. A mince pie and a glass of sherry

12 In Catalonia, what festive log do children gently beat so it will “give” small treats?

A. Roscón de Reyes

B. Olentzero

C. Tió de Nadal (the gift-giving log)

13 In Norse myth often linked to Christmas customs, which plant’s oversight led to Baldr’s death, later inspiring a tradition of peace under its boughs?

A. Mistletoe

B. Ivy

C. Holly

14 In Greek folklore, what are the mischievous goblins who emerge during the Twelve Days of Christmas called?

A. Vrykolakas

B. Kallikantzaroi

C. Lamia

15 According to the Mexican legend of the poinsettia, what humble gift did a poor child bring to the Nativity that miraculously became vibrant flowers?

A. A small clay dove

B. A handful of simple weeds

C. A paper star folded by hand