National Trivia Day (January 4)
Check out the weird holiday National Trivia Day on January 4. Learn the history of Trivia Day, and get ideas on how to celebrate.
One weird holiday on January 4 is Trivia Day. Check out the other weird January holidays!
What is the History of National Trivia Day?
No one really knows when this holiday was first recognized as a holiday.
The word trivia comes from a Latin term that means the intersection of three paths. The three paths represented are rhetoric, grammar, and logic, but today’s term encompasses much more than that.
We use the term today because in 1902, a book was published called Trivialities, Bits of Information of Little Consequence. It was written by the British author Logan Pearsall Smith. In his 1918 version of the book, he wrote,
“I KNOW too much; I have stuffed too many of the facts of History and Science into my intellectuals. My eyes have grown dim over books; believing in geological periods, cave dwellers, Chinese Dynasties, and the fixed stars has prematurely aged me.”
The first known trivia game was on the radio show “Take It or Leave It” in 1940s. Trivia didn’t become popular in the United States until the 1960s, however, and Jeopordy was introduced to television in 1964.
Also at that time, Columbia University students Ed Goodgold and Dan Carlinsky wrote a trivia game in the weekly newspaper of Columbia University, the Columbia Daily Spectator, on February 5, 1965. They went on to create inter-collegiate triva quiz bowls.
In the 1980s, the game Trival Pursuit became one of the most popular games played that decade. Many versions of it are still sold today.
Steven Point, Wisconsin, holds the largest current trivia contest at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s college radio station WWSP 89.9 FM. During the April 2013 event, the university hosted the 44th annual contest. Typically, 400 teams participate, ranging from 1 to 150 players. The competition is open to anyone. It spans 54 hours over a weekend with eight questions each hour.
Ideas to Celebrate National Trivia Day
How can you celebrate Trivia Day this year? In addition to participating in local trivia contests, we’ve got some great ideas for you and your family!
Pumpkin Trivia – 30 Fun Facts About Pumpkins You Never Knew
How well do you know about pumpkins? Here are 30 fun facts about pumpkins or pumpkin trivia to learn more about on National Trivia Day.
Free Printable Guess Who Said It: Disney Edition
How well do you know your favorite Disney Movies? Test your knowledge this National Trivia Day with this fun Guess Who Said it – Disney Edition!
Fun Facts About Dolphins: Dolphin Facts for Kids
These fun dolphin facts for kids are a great way to teach kids more about dolphins and how they survive in the ocean. Use them on National Trivia Day!
Christmas Movie Trivia Quiz
Here's a little quiz with Christmas movie trivia – it’s fun to take on your own or share it at your next holiday party or family gathering. Or relieve the holidays in January on National Trivia Day!
Apple Facts for Kids - Printable Apple Trivia Activity
Here are 10 fun apple facts for kids that they will find interesting. You can use these apple facts and the apple printable worksheets to celebrate National Trivia Day!
Free Printable Guess Who Said It Pixar Edition
How well do you know your Pixar movies? Find out on National Trivia Day by playing this fun printable Guess Who Said It game!
Ant Facts for Kids Worksheet & Printable Fact Sheet
With National Trivia Day here, these ant facts for kids, along with the ant worksheet, will be a fun learning opportunity for the warm season.
Labor Day Trivia
For National Trivia Day, learn all about Labor Day!
Washington State Trivia Printable for Kids – Road Trip Fun!
Take this fun Washington State trivia printable with you while you visit and travel around the Evergreen State, or just to learn on National Trivia Day. Included in this free trivia pack are fun facts about Washington state, a seek-and-find game, and two coloring pages.
Fun Facts About Flamingos for Kids + Printable Trivia
Interesting & fun facts about flamingos! Did you know there are 6 different species of flamingos and that they eat insects? How about that flamingos are actually related to ducks and geese? Learn more facts about flamingos this year on National Trivia Day!
Free Printable Guess Who Said It: American Patriots & U.S. Politics Trivia Games
Test how well you know your American Trivia on National Trivia Day with these fun printable Guess Who Said It: American Patriots & U.S. Politics trivia games!
Fun Facts About an Elephant Printable + Trivia Activity
This fun facts about an elephant printable and trivia activity will have kids learning about their favorite long trunked creatures on National Trivia Day!
18 Chicken facts you didn't know
Raising chickens? Or just really interested in them? Read up on these random chicken facts on National Trivia Day!
Tornado Facts for Kids - Learning About Tornados
Even though there aren't really tornados in January on National Trivia Day, these tornado facts for kids are a great way for children to learn more about tornados. They will help teach kids about how they start to why they occur and more.
Patriotic Ice Pops and a Fun July 4th Trivia!
With National Trivia Day upon us, we bring you this fun trivia, but also a refreshing, delicious and festive 4th of July Ice Pops recipe that is tasty and healthy!
Free Printable Guess Who Said It – Star Wars Edition Trivia Game
How well do you know the original 3 Star Wars Movies? Find out by playing this free Printable Guess Who Said it – Star Wards Edition trivia game on National Trivia Day!
The Best Trivia Games to Play In-Person or Online
Searching for the best trivia games to play with your friends and family? This is the ultimate list of Trivia Games to keep kids and adults entertained while learning about all kinds of fun topics on National Trivia Day!
Fun Facts About Fish Every Kid Should Know
Fish are the rulers of the water world. You can find them in both freshwater and saltwater. You see them in ponds, zoos, as pets in fish tanks, and more. Learn more about them on National Trivia Day!
Free Printable Guess Who Said it: Harry Potter Movies Edition
Love Harry Potter? Then this National Trivia Day, you should play this free printable Guess Who Said It: Harry Potter Movies Edition!
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