Here are the answers to this month’s five quiz questions. If in doubt, all should be able to be easily verified online.
Christmas
In what country did Silent Night originate? Austria
In what country did the custom of putting up a Christmas tree originate? Germany
What plant based Christmas tradition did servants in 18th and 19th century England popularize? Kissing under the mistletoe
How many wise men does the bible say visited the baby Jesus? It doesn’t mention a number.
In which European country was the original St Nicholas born? Turkey
Answers were correct when questions were compiled in late 2023.
Great Britons
Engraving by Philippe Joseph Tassaert, 1768
Note: These images are all hosted elsewhere on the internet;
Great Britons
Portrait by John Flaxman
Note: These images are all hosted elsewhere on the internet;
Great Britons
Library of Congress. Photograph by Matzene, 1913
Note: These images are all hosted elsewhere on the internet;
Great Britons
After a photograph by Dixon &. Son
Note: These images are all hosted elsewhere on the internet;
Great Britons
Author and date unknown
Note: These images are all hosted elsewhere on the internet;
Great Britons
University College, London. Public domain image
Note: These images are all hosted elsewhere on the internet;
Here’s this month’s self-portrait. Apologies for the lack of fairy lights; I haven’t got into the swing of Christmas yet.
Through a Glassy Pond Darkly[Click the image for a larger view]
Great Britons
Science Museum. Portrait by John Linnell, 1816
Note: These images are all hosted elsewhere on the internet;
This year our Ten Things column each month is concentrating on food. Not necessarily the most common or obvious foods, but hopefully ones everyone will recognise.
Nuts
Walnut
Hazel
Brazil
Cashew
Peanut
Pecan
Almond
Macadamia
Pistachio
Pine nuts
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Eccentric looks at life through the thoughts of a retired working thinker
