Celebrations & Customs Quiz

1. In what country is the Hindu festival of Diwali, the five-day festival of lights, a national holiday?

Pakistan

Myanmar

India

Diwali, «dih VAH lee», also spelled Deepavali, Divali or Dipavali, is a major Hindu festival. It is celebrated in all parts of India, where it is a national holiday, and in Hindu communities worldwide.

Explanation

Diwali, «dih VAH lee», also spelled Deepavali, Divali or Dipavali, is a major Hindu festival. It is celebrated in all parts of India, where it is a national holiday, and in Hindu communities worldwide.

2. What is the name of the four-week period during which Christians prepare for the celebration of Christmas?

Creche

Advent

Epiphany

Advent is the season of devotion including the four Sundays before Christmas.

Explanation

Advent is the season of devotion including the four Sundays before Christmas.

3. What is the name of the Islamic holy month when Muslims may not eat or drink from morning until night?

Ramadan

Shawwal

Eid al-Fitr

Ramadan «ram uh DAHN or rahm uh DAHN» is an Islamic holy month when Muslims may not eat or drink from morning until night. The end of Ramadan is celebrated by a great festival called Eid al-Fitr.

Explanation

Ramadan «ram uh DAHN or rahm uh DAHN» is an Islamic holy month when Muslims may not eat or drink from morning until night. The end of Ramadan is celebrated by a great festival called Eid al-Fitr.

4. In what year did the first mention of December 25 as the birth date of Jesus Christ appear in an early Roman calendar?

336

722

1100

The first mention of December 25 as the birth date of Jesus occurred in A.D. 336 in an early Roman calendar.

Explanation

The first mention of December 25 as the birth date of Jesus occurred in A.D. 336 in an early Roman calendar.

5. Who do Mexicans celebrate with a special day on December 12?

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Jesus Christ

Padre Pio

Guadalupe Day, celebrated on December 12, is Mexico's most important religious holiday honouring Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Explanation

Guadalupe Day, celebrated on December 12, is Mexico's most important religious holiday honouring Our Lady of Guadalupe.

6. In what country do children put their shoes in front of the fireplace so Père Noel (Father Christmas) can fill them with gifts?

Luxembourg

Denmark

France

In France, children put their shoes in front of the fireplace so Père Noel (Father Christmas) can fill them with gifts.

Explanation

In France, children put their shoes in front of the fireplace so Père Noel (Father Christmas) can fill them with gifts.

7. In what year did Great Britain and its colonies adopt the Gregorian calendar, which restored January 1 as New Year's Day?

1620

1752

1776

Great Britain and its colonies changed to the Gregorian calendar in 1752.

Explanation

Great Britain and its colonies changed to the Gregorian calendar in 1752.

8. What did Celtic priests of the Middle Ages hand out to people in celebration of the New Year?

Champagne

Mistletoe

Eggs

The Celtic priests of what is now England gave the people branches of mistletoe, which was considered sacred.

Explanation

The Celtic priests of what is now England gave the people branches of mistletoe, which was considered sacred.

9. In what year did the Jews in Judea first celebrate Hanukkah?

165 B.C.

11 B.C.

A.D. 16

In 165 B.C., after a three-year struggle led by Judah Maccabee, the Jews in Judea defeated the Syrian tyrant Antiochus IV. They held festivities in the Temple in Jerusalem, and dedicated it to God.

Explanation

In 165 B.C., after a three-year struggle led by Judah Maccabee, the Jews in Judea defeated the Syrian tyrant Antiochus IV. They held festivities in the Temple in Jerusalem, and dedicated it to God.

10. What does the Japanese festival Shichi-Go-San celebrate?

The end of the seaweed harvesting season

Children who are 3, 5, and 7 years old

The birth of Buddha

Girls of age three and seven and boys of age three and five are celebrated.

Explanation

Girls of age three and seven and boys of age three and five are celebrated.