Belarus Quiz Part 2: Castles, Bison, and Potato Pancakes

How well do you know Belarus? Part 2

Test your knowledge of Belarus with these 10 new questions. Choose the best answer for each question and see your score at the end!

• 1. What is the significance of the Kupala Night (Kupalle) festival in Belarus?

  • (A) It is a winter solstice celebration.
  • (B) It is a traditional summer solstice festival with pagan roots, involving bonfires and wreath floating.
  • (C) It is the national independence day.
  • (D) It is a harvest festival in autumn.

• 2. What is a key aspect of Belarusian hospitality?

  • (A) Guests are expected to pay for meals.
  • (B) Offering bread and salt is a traditional sign of welcome and hospitality.
  • (C) Visits are typically very short and formal.
  • (D) It is impolite to bring a gift to a host's home.

• 3. What is the attitude towards punctuality in Belarus?

  • (A) Being late is considered fashionable.
  • (B) Punctuality is highly valued, especially in business settings.
  • (C) Time is very flexible, and appointments are not strict.
  • (D) It is polite to arrive at least an hour late.

• 4. What is the role of the extended family in Belarusian society?

  • (A) The extended family has little influence on daily life.
  • (B) Strong family bonds are crucial, and grandparents often play a significant role in raising children.
  • (C) Individualism is prioritized over family connections.
  • (D) Family members typically live far apart and rarely meet.

• 5. What is a common custom when toasting in Belarus?

  • (A) Toasts are usually short and informal.
  • (B) Long, heartfelt, and often poetic toasts are common at celebrations.
  • (C) Only the host is allowed to make a toast.
  • (D) Clinking glasses is considered bad luck.

• 6. What is a characteristic of the communication style in Belarus?

  • (A) Overly expressive and emotional in public.
  • (B) People can be reserved with strangers but are warm and open once a relationship is established.
  • (C) Very direct and blunt to the point of being rude.
  • (D) Avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect.

• 7. What is a "dacha" in the context of Belarusian life?

  • (A) A city apartment.
  • (B) A summer house or cottage in the countryside, often with a garden plot.
  • (C) A type of public transportation.
  • (D) A large shopping mall.

• 8. What is the significance of the Mir Castle Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site?

  • (A) It is the modern presidential palace.
  • (B) It is an outstanding example of 16th-century fortification art, blending Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles.
  • (C) It is a famous art museum.
  • (D) It was the site of a major World War II battle.

• 9. What is a common practice when visiting someone's home in Belarus?

  • (A) To keep your shoes on.
  • (B) To remove your shoes upon entering.
  • (C) To refuse any offer of food or drink.
  • (D) To leave without saying goodbye.

• 10. What is the national animal of Belarus?

  • (A) Brown Bear
  • (B) European Bison (Zubr)
  • (C) Wolf
  • (D) White Stork