Australia Day - Answers and some History

An Aussie Sunset!

So, you've all had a go at the Australia Day Quiz? If you haven't, there's still time - before you continue reading this post, checkout the quiz page, and then drop by and leave a comment to let everyone know how you went.

For those who've completed the quiz (whether you're from Australia, America, or elsewhere) - How did you go? I have to admit - the first time someone asked me these questions, I pretty much failed! It's amazing how so many of us Australians have so little knowledge about our history. Yes, I did throw a few hard ones in there. But I hope none of you chose "Jack Sparrow" as the Captain in command!

Well, without further ado, here is a full listing of each question, along with the correct answer. Enjoy! =)

1. What do we remember on Australia day?
   Correct Answer: The raising of the British flag
   The raising of the flag was the official symbol proclaiming British sovereignty over the Eastern coast of Australia. We celebrate this occasion on January 26th every year.
   

2. Where did this happen?
   Correct Answer: Port Jackson
   When the First Fleet arrived at Botany Bay, the intended settlement location, they found it unsuitable for living. They travelled a short distance to Port Jackson, where the flag was raised.
   

3. In what year?
   Correct Answer: 1788
   This is a confusing one! You've just gotta know this. Everyone I know tends to get this confused with 1770, the year when James Cook "discovered" Australia. Just remember all those 7's and 8's and you'll be fine!
   

4. Who was in command?
   Correct Answer: Captain Arthur Phillip
   Captain James Cook was the first European to explore the East coast of Australia, Captain William Lawson is fictionary, and Captain Jack Sparrow has yet to command an entire fleet.

5. How many ships were in the First Fleet?
   Correct Answer: 11
   This is another one you just have to know.

6. Which one of the following ships was NOT in the First Fleet?
   Correct Answer: The Endeavour
   Ok, so everyone got this one, right?
   The Endeavour was Captain Cook's ship during his first voyage. All the other names are actual ships in the First Fleet.

That's it! I hope you enjoyed the chance to test your knowledge, and maybe even gain some on the way. A huge thanks to all those who answered the quiz - and for any new people, please do leave a comment - no matter how short - to let me know how you scored!

More resources: Australia Day, Captain James Cook

This photo taken with the Fujifilm S9600 digital camera.

Australia Day Quiz!

What is Australia Day?

Think you know Australia? Try this quiz to check your knowledge of Australia Day, our national celebration. Please do "Have a go" and let me know how you scored in the comments section. Full answers will be disclosed tomorrow! Update: You've got 1 more day to finish the quiz - answers coming 28th Jan.
(Note: If you are viewing this in a feed reader, you may need to visit the site to see this quiz)

1. What do we remember on Australia day?

The discovery of Australia

The arrival of the First Fleet

The raising of the British flag

The founding of the Commonwealth

2. Where did this happen?

Botany Bay

Port Jackson

Circular Quay

Cooktown

3. In what year?

1770

1777

1780

1788

4. Who was in command?

Captain James Cook

Captain Arthur Phillip

Captain William Lawson

Captain Jack Sparrow

5. How many ships were in the First Fleet?

8

9

10

11

6. Which one of the following ships was NOT in the First Fleet?

The Endeavour

The Lady Penrhyn

H.M.S. Supply

The Borrowdale

On the twelfth day of Christmas....

12 Drummers Drumming

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!

We've reached the Epiphany, which is the last day in our song - the Twelfth Day of Christmas. The "twelve drummers drumming" in today's verse were chosen to express the twelve points of belief expressed in the Apostles’ Creed: belief in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, made man, crucified, died and arose on the third day, that he sits at the right hand of the father and will come again, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.

For those who haven't been following, in my first post I explained that the popular song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was actually first created as an educational song for young Christians. At a time when it was illegal to practice the faith, this song was used as a "coded message" to convey truths of the faith. During the past twelve days I've outlined each verse of the song, and what the hidden meaning is. So here's a recap on all the verses we've had so far:

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Twelve Drummers Drumming
The "twelve drummers drumming" in today's verse were chosen to express the twelve points of belief expressed in the Apostles’ Creed (see above).

Eleven Pipers Piping
The "eleven pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles.

Ten Lords a Leaping
The "ten lords a-leaping" represent the Ten Commandments.

Nine Ladies Dancing
The "nine ladies dancing" are symbols the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

Eight maids a milking
The "eight maids a-milking" reminded children of the eight beatitudes listed in the Sermon on the Mount.

Seven Swans a swimming
The "seven swans a-swimming" refer to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.

Six geese a laying
The "six geese a-laying" are symbolic of the six days of creation, the biblical account in which God creates the universe and it's inhabitants.

Five golden rings
The well-known "five golden rings" represent the first five books of the Bible, also called the Jewish Torah or the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Four calling birds
The "four calling birds" refers to the four evangelists who wrote the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Three french hens
The "three French hens" stand for faith, hope and love—the three gifts of the Spirit that abide (1 Corinthians 13).

Two turtle doves
The "two turtle doves" refers to the Old and New Testaments.

A partridge in a pear tree
The "partridge in a pear tree" is Christ Jesus upon the Cross. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge because she would feign injury to decoy a predator away from her nestlings. She was even willing to die for them.

The tree is the symbol of the fall of the human race through the sin of Adam and Eve. It is also the symbol of its redemption by Jesus Christ on the tree of the Cross.

Now we've finished the twelve days of Christmas, and celebrated the Epiphany, Christmas is truly over! I hope you all had a great Christmas, and are enjoying a safe and blessed New Year. I hope also that you've enjoyed this series of posts. I've gone slightly off-topic from nature photography, but the next post should be back on focus! And now when you sing "The Twelve Days of Christmas" you'll be able to remember that the words you sing actually have a meaning - and maybe even impress people with your new-found knowledge! =D

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This post is one of a series explaining the Twelve Days of Christmas. During the series I've shared information about each verse of this song. I hope you'll find the "coded" meanings as interesting as I have! For more information, you can also check out appleseeds.org and CIN. Pictures from AtHomeWithGod.com

On the eleventh day of Christmas....

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

Today is the second-last day in our song - the Eleventh Day of the Twelve Days of Christmas. The "eleven pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles.

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This post is one of a series explaining the Twelve Days of Christmas. Over the next day of the Christmas season (ending on January 6th "The Epiphany") I'll post more information about the following verses of this song. I hope you'll find the "coded" meanings as interesting as I have! For more information, you can also check out appleseeds.org and CIN. Picture from AtHomeWithGod.com

On the tenth day of Christmas....

On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

Today is the Tenth Day of Christmas, the third-last day of the season. The "ten lords a-leaping" represent the Ten Commandments. Special merit for anyone who can remember all ten in order!

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This post is one of a series explaining the Twelve Days of Christmas. Over the next 3 days of the Christmas season (ending on January 6th "The Epiphany") I'll post more information about the following verses of this song. I hope you'll find the "coded" meanings as interesting as I have! For more information, you can also check out appleseeds.org and CIN. Picture from AtHomeWithGod.com

On the ninth day of Christmas....

On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

Today is the Ninth Day of Christmas. Only 4 more days until the Epiphany! The "nine ladies dancing" are symbols the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

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This post is one of a series explaining the Twelve Days of Christmas. Over the next 4 days of the Christmas season (ending on January 6th "The Epiphany") I'll post more information about the following verses of this song. I hope you'll find the "coded" meanings as interesting as I have! For more information, you can also check out appleseeds.org and CIN. Picture from AtHomeWithGod.com

On the eighth day of Christmas....

On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

Today is the Eighth Day of Christmas. The "eight maids a-milking" reminded children of the eight beatitudes listed in the Sermon on the Mount.

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This post is one of a series explaining the Twelve Days of Christmas. Over the next 5 days of the Christmas season (ending on January 6th "The Epiphany") I'll post more information about the following verses of this song. I hope you'll find the "coded" meanings as interesting as I have! For more information, you can also check out appleseeds.org and CIN. Picture from AtHomeWithGod.com