As winter deepens and the days grow colder, people across the world await a powerful turning point: the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. Picture it—a quiet, starlit evening where ancient fires once blazed, lighting up villages and gathering places in honor of the returning sun. In the icy north, Norse families celebrated Yule, filling their homes with evergreens and the warmth of a crackling fire. Far to the east, families in China gathered to share bowls of rice dumplings, marking the Dongzhi Festival and the gradual return of daylight.
This turning point, both humbling and hopeful, has been honored for millennia as cultures weave stories, symbols, and rituals around the promise of light after the darkest night. How well do you know the fascinating myths and traditions that have kept the Winter Solstice alive through the ages?
Dive into these Winter Solstice trivia questions and answers, and journey through the legends, customs, and warmth of this extraordinary time of year—perfect for sharing with friends and family!
1. What date does the Winter Solstice usually fall on in the Northern Hemisphere?
December 21
2. What is the significance of the Winter Solstice?
It is the shortest day and longest night of the year.
3. Which ancient structure aligns with the sunrise on the Winter Solstice?
Stonehenge
4. Which culture celebrates the Winter Solstice with the festival called Yule?
The Norse (Scandinavian) culture
5. What astronomical event causes the Winter Solstice?
The Earth’s tilt away from the Sun
6. In which hemisphere is the Winter Solstice in June?
Southern Hemisphere
7. What natural symbol is commonly associated with Winter Solstice celebrations?
Evergreen trees
8. What holiday is based on the Winter Solstice and celebrates light returning?
Yule
9. Which civilization built Machu Picchu, which aligns with the solstices?
The Inca civilization
10. What type of tree was traditionally brought into homes during Yule celebrations?
Pine or fir trees
11. In what country is the Winter Solstice celebrated with the Dongzhi Festival?
China
12. What popular winter drink is commonly associated with Yule?
Wassail
13. In Pagan traditions, what symbolizes rebirth during the Winter Solstice?
The Sun
14. What is the name of the ancient Persian festival celebrated on the Winter Solstice?
Yalda Night
15. What natural phenomenon occurs due to the Earth’s tilt during the Winter Solstice?
The shortest day and longest night
16. What flower is commonly associated with Winter Solstice and winter holidays?
Poinsettia
17. Which Roman festival honoring Saturn was celebrated around the Winter Solstice?
Saturnalia
18. Which Celtic tradition involves lighting a log to celebrate Yule?
The Yule log
19. In Japan, what is traditionally eaten to celebrate the Winter Solstice?
Pumpkin and yuzu baths
20. What is the name of the Scandinavian Winter Solstice festival?
Jul
21. How long has the Winter Solstice been celebrated by humans?
Thousands of years
22. What type of evergreen wreath is associated with Yule celebrations?
Holly wreath
23. Which country’s indigenous people celebrate “Soyal” during the Winter Solstice?
The Hopi in the United States
24. What is traditionally lit to symbolize the return of the sun after the Winter Solstice?
Candles
25. Which European tradition involves making a wish on the Winter Solstice?
Burning bayberry candles
26. Which mythological god is reborn at Yule in Norse mythology?
Baldur, the god of light
27. Which U.K. town hosts a famous Winter Solstice gathering at its stone circle?
Stonehenge
28. In Mexico, what is the traditional Winter Solstice dance called?
Danza del Sol
29. Which Chinese celebration marks family gatherings during the Winter Solstice?
Dongzhi Festival
30. In what part of the world do people celebrate the Winter Solstice with bonfires?
Northern Europe
31. In Native American traditions, what represents life during the Winter Solstice?
The Sun
32. Which Scandinavian people celebrate the Solstice with Julbock, the Yule Goat?
The Swedes
33. What symbol of life is central to Winter Solstice traditions in many cultures?
The Evergreen tree
34. What is the name of the ancient Irish site aligned with the Winter Solstice?
Newgrange
35. What traditional food is served during the Winter Solstice in many cultures?