[For Seniors] Recommended Trivia Quizzes & Fun Facts for November

Shimotsuki (the traditional Japanese name for the 11th month)

In the old lunar calendar, November is called “Shimotsuki.” This name is said to come from “Shimofurizuki,” meaning the month when it gets cold and frost begins to fall, which was shortened to “Shimotsuki.” It is also the season of festivals held to offer thanks to the gods after the harvest. Kisaragi refers to February, and Kannazuki refers to October.

yuzu

The answer is “yuzu.” Yuzu’s fragrance and components are said to promote blood circulation and warm the body, and there is a custom of taking a yuzu bath on the winter solstice. This custom is believed to have begun in the Edo period. Although people did not bathe frequently at the time, it is said to have started as a form of ritual purification to ward off misfortune specifically on the day of the winter solstice.

fraternity

One of the meanings associated with topaz is “amity.” Topaz is considered a stone that symbolizes friendship, happiness, and truth, and as the birthstone for November it is cherished for additional meanings such as “hope, sincerity, success, and purity.” Its etymology traces back to the Greek word “topazos,” which means “to seek” or “to search for.”

1 meter

The answer is one meter. The word chitose means “a thousand years,” and is considered auspicious as it expresses wishes for a child’s growth and longevity. Chitose-ame symbolizes health and long life because of its length. Also, around the time when November 15 began to be celebrated grandly, sugar was a luxury ingredient, so people likely wanted to give children something delicious to eat.

A round shape shining in gold

Kinkan is a fruit that was introduced to Japan from China. Its golden, gleaming peel and its small, round shape evoke images of a golden sphere, which led to the Chinese name “金柑” (golden citrus). In Japan, this was read using the on’yomi (Sino-Japanese reading) as “kinkan,” which is the origin of the name.

ginkgo

Ginkgo trees are plants that have existed since the Jurassic period, when vegetation is said to have flourished on Earth, and because they have survived with little change in appearance since then, they are called “living fossils.” In autumn, their beautiful yellow leaves adorn the streets as roadside trees.

Toppo

November 11 is known as Pocky & Pretz Day. It was established on November 11, 1999, because the four number 1s in the date resemble the stick shape of Pocky and Pretz. Nowadays, there are many flavors of Pocky and Pretz. On November 11, it’s fun to prepare a variety and enjoy Pocky & Pretz Day.