Fall Trivia Game | Printable Autumn Games | Fall Time Activities ... - Free Printable

Here's the solution to the “Autumn Trivia” quiz — each statement is labeled FACT or FICTION, with a clear explanation for each.

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1. The fall is called harvest because of the ‘harvest moon’

✔ FACT

Explanation: The term “fall” (as in autumn) comes from the phrase “the fall of the leaf,” but it’s also closely tied to the harvest season. The “Harvest Moon” is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, and historically, farmers used its bright light to extend harvesting hours into the evening. While “fall” isn’t *named* after the Harvest Moon, the association between the season and harvesting (aided by the Harvest Moon) is strong and culturally significant.

> *Note: Some sources say “fall” derives from “fall of leaves,” while “autumn” comes from Latin “autumnus.” But the harvest connection is real and meaningful.*

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2. Fall is associated with the distance to the sun

✘ FICTION

Explanation: Seasons are caused by the tilt of the Earth’s axis, not its distance from the sun. In fact, the Earth is *closest* to the sun in early January (perihelion) — during winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Fall occurs when the Northern Hemisphere begins tilting away from the sun, reducing sunlight intensity and day length — not because we’re farther away.

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3. Leaves change colors because of the chlorophyll breaking down

✔ FACT

Explanation: Chlorophyll is the green pigment that helps plants photosynthesize. As days shorten and temperatures cool in fall, trees stop producing chlorophyll. When it breaks down, other pigments — like yellow xanthophylls and orange carotenoids — become visible. Red anthocyanins are sometimes produced in response to bright light and cool temps. So yes, chlorophyll breakdown reveals the true fall colors.

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4. Americans refer to it as fall & the British refer to it as autumn

✔ FACT

Explanation: This is linguistically accurate. In American English, “fall” is the common term for the season; in British English, “autumn” is preferred. Both terms are correct and understood on both sides of the Atlantic, but usage differs regionally.

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5. The Autumnal Equinox falls on October 22

✘ FICTION

Explanation: The Autumnal Equinox usually occurs around September 22 or 23 in the Northern Hemisphere (March 20/21 in the Southern Hemisphere). It marks the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator southward, resulting in nearly equal day and night. October 22 is too late — that’s well into fall.

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6. Pumpkins were thought to remove freckles and cure snake bites

✔ FACT (Historically)

Explanation: In folk medicine (especially in colonial America and Europe), pumpkin was believed to have healing properties. Some historical texts mention using pumpkin pulp or seeds to treat skin conditions like freckles or even snakebites — though modern science doesn’t support these uses. Still, this belief existed, making the statement a fact about historical beliefs.

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7. It takes 36 apples to make one gallon of apple cider

✔ FACT

Explanation: This is a commonly cited figure in orchards and cider-making guides. On average, it takes about 36 medium-sized apples to produce one gallon of fresh-pressed apple cider. The exact number can vary slightly depending on apple size and juiciness, but 36 is a standard industry estimate.

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8. Days get longer & nights shorter in the fall

✘ FICTION

Explanation: In the Northern Hemisphere, fall begins with the autumnal equinox (around Sept 22), after which days get shorter and nights get longer until the winter solstice. The opposite is true in spring. So this statement is backwards.

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9. Autumn begins when the center of the sun crosses Earth’s equator

✔ FACT

Explanation: This describes the autumnal equinox — the precise astronomical moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator heading south. At this moment, day and night are approximately equal everywhere on Earth. This is the official start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.

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10. Oktoberfest is held in Munich, Austria every year

✘ FICTION

Explanation: Oktoberfest is held in Munich, Germany — not Austria. It began in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Austria has its own beer festivals, but Oktoberfest is distinctly German.

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11. The colors that the leaf changes depends on its species

✔ FACT

Explanation: Different tree species have different combinations of pigments. For example:
- Maples often turn brilliant red (due to anthocyanins),
- Ginkgos turn bright yellow (carotenoids),
- Oaks may turn brown or russet.
So yes — the color palette is largely determined by the tree’s genetics and chemistry.

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12. Pumpkin spice is a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger

✔ FACT

Explanation: “Pumpkin spice” is not derived from pumpkins themselves — it’s a blend of warming spices traditionally used in pumpkin pie. The classic recipe includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves (sometimes allspice too). This blend is now used in everything from lattes to candles.

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## ✔ Final Answer Key:

1. FACT
2. FICTION
3. FACT
4. FACT
5. FICTION
6. FACT
7. FACT
8. FICTION
9. FACT
10. FICTION
11. FACT
12. FACT

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🏆 Most Correct Wins! — If you got 9 or more right, you’re an autumn trivia champion! 🍂🍎🎃