Guessing Quiz: Thanksgiving and Food in the USA

Today is Thanksgiving in the United States. It’s a special day where people gather to reflect on the year and appreciate what they have and have achieved. While the holiday is celebrated in other countries, such as Canada, Germany and other European countries, they take place earlier and have their own customs that are different to what Americans are accustomed to. Aside from having the turkey and stuffing, what else is typical of this holiday?

To find out, I’ve compiled a Guessing Quiz for you to try and test your knowledge. It’s multiple choice but only one answer is possible.  Good for just about any place. Let’s start with the first question:

 

1. What is so special about Thanksgiving?
a. It marks the anniversary of the ratification of the US Constitution in 1787
b. It’s a day of giving thanks
c. It’s the last day before the fasting period starts.

 
2. When did the first Pilgrims arrive?
a. 1620
b. 1863
c. 1621
d. 1815

 
3. Where did the first Pilgrims originate from?
a. Norway
b. Germany
c. Spain
d. England

 
4. Where did the Pilgrims land?
a. Virginia
b. Massachusetts
c. New York
d. Delware

 
5. Who led the expedition and later became the mayor of the first settlement?
a. William Bradford
b. Giovanni de Verrazano
c. Hernando Cortes
d. Francisco Coronado

 
6. Which Indian chief helped the settlers establish their foothold on their
community and later helped commemorate the Thanksgiving celebration?
a. Massasoit
b. Dances with Wolves
c. Crazy Horse
d. Sitting Bull

 

7. When was Thanksgiving permanently declared a national holiday?
a. 1863
b. 1865
c. 1918
d. 1783

 
8. Which US President proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday?
a. Theodore Roosevelt
b. Abraham Lincoln
c. William McKinley
d. Andrew Johnson

 
9. Which of the foods served is NOT typical of Thanksgiving? Mark only one.
a. Turkey
b. Mashed Potatoes
c. Sweet Potatoes
d. Cranberry sauce
e. Pumpkin Pancakes
f. Pumpkin Pie

 
10. What sport is the most popular to watch on Thanksgiving?
a. Basketball
b. Football
c. American Football
d. Professional Wrestling
e. Ice Hockey
f. Handball
g. Curling

 

As a bonus, I’ve included a quiz on American food in order to determine what you can find in the States.  And while some of them can be found in Europe, it’s not as popular as when you find along the store shelves. Good luck in this version:

• What is a Smorgasbord?
  • An “all-you-can-eat restaurant
  • A Norwegian sandwich
  • Food that is sold at a convenient store

 

• What is a potluck dinner?
  • A meal that is cooked in a big pot
  • Whoever is lucky gets to eat first
  • An event where everyone can bring some food and drink to share with others

 

• What is egg nog?
  • Another word for pancake
  • A drink consisting of eggs, milk/cream, sugar, spices and sometimes alcohol (mainly rum)
  • A sweet bread with eight eggs.

 

• Egg nog translated into German would be similar to which drink?
  • Eierpunsch
  • Eierlikör
  • Eieradvokaat

 

• What does a yam refer to?
  • People whining
  • People enjoying food
  • Sweet potato

 

• Jell-O in America is a special pudding. What is it, exactly?
  • Créme Brulette
  • Wiggle-Pudding (Wackelpudding in D)
  • Creme pudding

 

• What ingredient does NOT go into chili con carne?
  • black beans
  • corn
  • tofu

 

• Which main dish is universally served for the holidays, regardless of which one?
  • Hamburger
  • Turkey
  • Roast Beef

 

• Root beer is referred to which type of drink?
  • Dark beer
  • Light beer with 10% alcohol
  • A sweet drink flavored with roots and different spices

 

• Smores is what kind of desert?
  • Ice cream shake
  • Sandwich with a melted marshmallow and chocolate on a graham cracker
  • Oreo sandwich with ice cream.

 

The Flensburg Files and sister column The Bridgehunter’s Chronicles wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful start into the holiday season!

 

Author’s note: The graphic above is courtesy of Tracy Nelson, who was famous for her role at Sister Steve in the Father Dowling Mysteries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers to Part 1:

1. b,  2. c, 3. d, 4. b, 5. a, 6. a, 7. a, 8. b, 9. e, 10. b

Answers to Part 2:

1. a, 2. c, 3. b, 4. c, 5. c, 6. b, 7. c, 8. b, 9. c, 10. c

Advertisement