The 10 quiz questions
Question 1 : Christmas celebrates a major Christian event. Which one?
Possible answers:
- The baptism of Jesus
- The birth of Jesus
- The ascension of Jesus
- The resurrection of Jesus
Explanation: Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The date of December 25 was chosen in the 4th century, probably to coincide with pagan winter solstice festivals. The exact date of Jesus's birth is unknown.
Question 2 : Which biblical sacrifice does Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) commemorate in Islam?
Possible answers:
- The conquest of Mecca
- The Exodus from Egypt
- The revelation of the Quran
- Abraham's sacrifice
Explanation: Eid al-Adha commemorates Abraham's (Ibrahim's) sacrifice, ready to sacrifice his son on God's command, who substituted a ram. It is the most important Islamic festival along with Eid al-Fitr.
Question 3 : Which Jewish holiday, often compared to carnival, celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people in Persia?
Possible answers:
- Sukkot
- Tisha B'Av
- Purim
- Shavuot
Explanation: Purim commemorates the salvation of Jews in Persia through Queen Esther, who foiled vizier Haman's plot. Celebrations include costumes, reading the Book of Esther and sharing pastries (hamantaschen).
Question 4 : Which Christian holiday on January 6, associated with the king cake in France, commemorates the visit of the Magi?
Possible answers:
- Epiphany
- Pentecost
- Assumption
- Candlemas
Explanation: Epiphany celebrates the visit of the three Magi (Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar) who came to worship the infant Jesus in Bethlehem. In France, people share a galette containing a charm (fève).
Question 5 : Which Buddhist Thai New Year festival is famous for its giant water fights?
Possible answers:
- Makha Bucha
- Loi Krathong
- Vesak
- Songkran
Explanation: Songkran (April 13-15) is the Thai New Year. Water symbolizes purification and renewal. Street water fights have become a worldwide tourist attraction, but the festival remains deeply Buddhist.
Question 6 : What event does the Christian Pentecost, celebrated 50 days after Easter, commemorate?
Possible answers:
- The Transfiguration
- Jesus's Ascension
- The Last Supper
- The descent of the Holy Spirit
Explanation: Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, 50 days after Jesus's resurrection. The apostles received the gift of tongues and began preaching. It is considered the birth of the Church.
Question 7 : How many nights does the Hindu festival of Navaratri, dedicated to the goddess Durga, last?
Possible answers:
- 3
- 7
- 9
- 12
Explanation: Navaratri ("nine nights") lasts 9 nights and 10 days. Each trinity of nights is dedicated to a form of the goddess: Durga (strength), Lakshmi (wealth), Sarasvati (wisdom). It culminates with Dussehra, the victory of good over evil.
Question 8 : What event in Muhammad's life does Mawlid (or Moulid) celebrate?
Possible answers:
- His night journey
- His birth
- His emigration to Medina
- His death
Explanation: Mawlid celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad, on the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal. Festivities include Quran readings, songs and meals. Not all Muslims celebrate it: some Salafi movements consider it an innovation.
Question 9 : Which Sikh festival celebrates the creation of the Khalsa community by the 10th Guru in 1699?
Possible answers:
- Baisakhi
- Gurpurab
- Maghi
- Lohri
Explanation: Baisakhi (or Vaisakhi, April 13-14) commemorates the creation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. It is also the Sikh New Year and harvest festival in Punjab. Processions (Nagar Kirtan) are organized.
Question 10 : Which religious holiday is the most widely celebrated in the world, in over 160 countries?
Possible answers:
- Easter
- Christmas
- Diwali
- Ramadan
Explanation: Christmas is celebrated in over 160 countries, even in nations that are not majority Christian (Japan, China, India). It has become both a religious and cultural celebration with the tree, Santa Claus and gifts.
