"Tis the Season Trivia Quiz

Answer: December 25 through January 5

Although commercial shopping and secular festivities typically begin around the end of November (near American Thanksgiving) and continue until Christmas Eve, the true Christmas season begins at midnight on the 24th and continues for twelve days, ending on January 5. Still known by many as "the twelve days of Christmas", the celebration honors the birth of Jesus and the period immediately following His arrival.

Answer: Ordinary Time

The word "ordinary" refers to the fact that weeks are numbered (ordinal numbers) and is not meant to imply that the time of year between Easter and Christmas is mundane or uneventful. During this season, lessons and church activities focus on Christ's time here on Earth, with focus on day to day life in the Christian faith.

Some churches also refer to the period just after the Christmas season as Ordinary Time, while others number those weeks with respect to the Feast of the Epiphany.

Answer: Advent

Advent is not only a time to anticipate the birth of Jesus, it is also a time of solemnity and self examination as we prepare for His Second Coming. Although some churches have relaxed rules of fasting and penitence during Advent, traditions such as decorating and the singing of carols are still withheld until the Christmas Eve vigil.

A wreath containing four candles (symbolizing hope, peace, joy and love) is used, with one lit on each Sunday. A fifth candle, the Christ candle, may be added and lit on Christmas to celebrate the Messiah's arrival.

Answer: Easter

Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week and commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. The final days before his arrest are celebrated in special readings or services, with the Last Supper remembered on Maundy Thursday. Good Friday, as the day of His betrayal, trial and crucifixion, is a time of fasting and solemnity.

Many churches hold Stations of the Cross services. The week ends with a day of inner silence on Holy Saturday as preparations are made for the celebration of the Resurrection.

Answer: November 1

All Saints Day is a time to honor and remember not only the Biblical and historical saints, but our family and community members who have died as well. In some churches, a list of names of departed loved ones is read aloud during services, and we pause to thank God for their time with us and for their memories.

The honoring of saints varies greatly among faiths. The Roman Catholic church recognizes hundreds, while Anglican and Lutheran lists are considerably shorter. Typically, only Biblical figures are seen as full saints in Methodist doctrine, and some denominations have none at all.

Answer: Epiphany

Epiphany (also known as "Twelfth Night" and "Little Christmas") celebrates the appearance of Christ to the Gentiles. The Magi (Wise Men) are remembered for their visit and gifts to the infant, and Christmas decorations are displayed until after the Epiphany feast.

In Eastern churches, the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River is the primary focus and the date may be different depending on the calendar used. Some areas celebrate with winter swimming events.

Answer: Ash Wednesday

Forty-six days before Easter, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the most solemn period of the year. During services, ashes are placed on the foreheads of worshippers, symbolizing humility, penance, and mourning. Some churches remove flowers and other ornaments from the altars, which remain bare until the Easter celebration.

Often mistaken as merely a secular time of high living, the Mardi Gras tradition also has its roots in the church season. Celebrations may begin just after Epiphany, with participants indulging in rich food and festive events such as dances and parties in anticipation of the fasting period to follow.

Answer: The Holy Spirit's descent upon early church leaders

The book of Acts tells the story of the sound of a rushing wind and the descent of fire into the Upper Room where the Apostles and approximately one hundred others had gathered to pray. The tongues of flame touched those present, and they immediately began to speak in other languages as the Spirit filled them.

Pentecost is always celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter, which is also ten days after Christ's ascension into Heaven. Many denominations hold Baptisms and Confirmations at this time of the year.

Answer: Forty days spent by Jesus fasting in the wilderness

The forty days (excluding Sundays) of Lent commemorate Jesus' solitude in the desert and His temptation by Satan. It is the most solemn time of the year and is traditionally a time of self denial and contrition. Soul-searching and honest personal evaluation of an individual's day to day life are encouraged, with many choosing to fast or to give up luxuries during the season. In recent years, some churches have highlighted service rather than sacrifice, and programs such as special food drives and community outreach efforts are held.

The tradition of Easter baskets may well have its roots in Lenten observance. Children were often urged to give up candy and sweets, and were rewarded for their discipline with chocolate and small gifts on the morning of the Resurrection.

Answer: Gabriel's revelation to the Virgin Mary about Jesus' upcoming birth

The Feast of the Annunciation is observed nine months before Christmas, and marks the angel Gabriel's visit to the Virgin Mary and his announcement that God had chosen her as the mother of Christ. In medieval times, it was considered one of the most holy days of the year, and work was forbidden in some cultures.

Several Western churches set aside Sundays as strictly for the feast of Lord Jesus Christ, so Annunciation may be moved if it falls on a Sunday or during Holy Week. It is always observed on March 25 by Eastern churches.