two women exchange air kisses on the cheek as a greeting

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Quiz: Traditions Around the Globe

Test your knowledge of customs and rules and challenge your travel companions to beat your score

Jacquelyne Froeber,

AARP

En español

Published January 05, 2023

7 Questions

Quiz: Traditions Around the Globe

[ {
  "question" : "The act of touching noses is a traditional greeting on which of the following islands? ",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : " Hawaii",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "St. Lucia",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Martinique  ",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "All of the above ",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "The touching of noses, or honi ihu, is a traditional Hawaiian method of greeting one another. Why the nose? The act allows both people to exchange breath and also conveys closeness in relationships. ",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "Which Canadian province encourages visitors to kiss a fish to become an honorary local?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "Newfoundland",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "Nova Scotia",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Prince Edward Island ",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "New Brunswick",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "The Newfoundland Screech-In ceremony involves kissing a cod — usually in a bar — before drinking a shot of Screech rum to become an honorary Newfoundlander (Christian’s Pub in St. John’s is known for its lively ceremonies). The name comes from — you guessed it — the harsh Screech rum that is bottled in Newfoundland. The ceremonial smooch is commemorated with a certificate (and probably a YouTube video or two).  ",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "True or false: In France, people kiss both cheeks when greeting each other.",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "True",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "False",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "The traditional “la bise” greeting is an air kiss on each cheek. The number of air kisses (sometimes four or more!) varies from region to region, although it’s perfectly fine to shake hands when meeting an acquaintance. ",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "Which of the following countries encourages visitors to be late to the party? ",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "Peru ",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Venezuela",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "Ecuador ",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "All of the above ",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "It’s normal for Venezuelans to be 10 to 15 minutes late for dinner. If you’re early? The host may not be ready, and you may seem too eager. And if you see the broom behind the door, that means it’s time to go — the host is ready to clean up. ",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "True or false: In Fiji, visitors must ask the village chief for permission to walk on his land.",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "True",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "False",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "When visiting the native settlements, visitors should seek out the chief and give him a small gift or token of respect (the most popular gift is kava root). Failure to do so shows disrespect for the culture equal to trespassing on the land.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "True or false: People in Tibet stick out their tongues when greeting new people.",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "True",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "False",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "It’s a sign of respect: According to Tibetan folklore, people started doing this as a way to prove they were not the reincarnation of a cruel king from the 9th century who had a black tongue. ",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "In Switzerland, which of the following drinks is forbidden with fondue?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "Tea",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Wine",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Schnapps",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Beer ",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Ordering a beer is frowned upon, as the Swiss believe that the other beverages (certain teas, wine and schnapps) help with digestion.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
} ]

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Quiz: Traditions Around the Globe

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Jacquelyne Froeber is an award-winning journalist based in Las Vegas, Nevada. She writes and edits travel content for AARP.org.

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