Which Religion Am I? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Christian

Easter Sunday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead as described in the New Testament of the Bible. It is considered the most important and holiest day in the Christian calendar celebrating the central event of the Christian faith.

Easter is a moveable feast typically falling on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox which can range from late March to late April on the Gregorian calendar. Easter Sunday is actually the culmination of the Easter season which begins on Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent which is forty days before Easter itself.

Traditional customs include:

Lent is a season of fasting, self-examination and penitence, many choose to give up luxuries or indulgences as a form of self-discipline and spiritual reflection.

It emphasises the importance of acts of charity and compassion towards those in need. Christians are encouraged to give to charitable organisations, volunteer in their communities and support initiatives that promote social justice and alleviate suffering.

The week before Easter is known as Holy Week which begins with Palm Sunday (commemorating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem), Holy/Maundy Thursday (commemorating the Last Supper) and Good Friday (commemorating Jesus' crucifixion). These are all commemorated with Church services re-enacting the events.

As there are many different Christian denominations these can all be celebrated slightly differently. Many denominations observe an Easter Vigil service on the night before Easter Sunday during which the resurrection of Jesus is celebrated with readings from Scripture, hymns of praise and the lighting of candles.

Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday. The cross on the buns represents the crucifixion, while the many spices symbolise the embalming spices used to anoint Jesus' body before burial.

Easter eggs are said to represent Jesus' emergence from the tomb and resurrection. They are a symbol of new life and rebirth. These were originally normal hard boiled eggs that were gaily decorated with paint which is still a tradition in some parts of the world although the western world has mostly adapted to chocolate eggs. They are traditionally hollow to symbolise the empty tomb.

In the thirteen century eggs were a forbidden food during Lent so the decoration was a celebration of the end of food restrictions and eggs were eaten on Easter Sunday.

There are also many secular traditions worldwide that have no religious basis.

Answer: Christian

Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ as described in the New Testament of the Bible, particularly in the Book of Acts. It occurred fifty days after Easter Sunday during the Jewish Festival of Shavuot where there were many people from different nations in Jerusalem.

Ten days after the Ascension of Christ, the apostles were in a house when they heard a sound like a rushing wind and tongues of fire appeared and rested on each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues and could therefore spread the Gospel to all who were present.
Other gifts of the Holy Spirit include wisdom, understanding, knowledge, prophecy and healing.

Traditional customs include:

As per most Christian festivals, church services commemorating the events are the most customary. It is also a very significant time for the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation as both are associated with receiving the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost is symbolised by various elements including fire, wind and the colour red. Fire represents the presence and power of the Holy Spirit while wind symbolises the movement and breath of the Spirit. The colour red is often used in liturgical decorations and vestments to symbolise the flames of Pentecost and the blood of martyrs.

Answer: Christian

Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world observed by billions of people, both Christian and non-Christian, as a cultural and religious event. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, and is celebrated on December 25th each year. The Nativity story celebrates Christ's birth to the Virgin Mary in a stable in Bethlehem, the announcement by angels to shepherds and the visit by the wise men.

Traditional customs include:

Christmas is preceded by the season of Advent, a period of preparation and anticipation for the coming of Christ. Advent typically begins four Sundays before Christmas and involves spiritual reflection, prayer, Advent calendars and the lighting of Advent candles to mark the weeks leading up to the birth of Jesus.

For Christians, Christmas is a sacred religious holiday that is observed with special church services including Christmas Eve Vigil Mass or Midnight Mass/service and Christmas Day services. These services include scripture readings, prayers, hymns and sermons focused on the birth of Jesus and its significance for salvation.

One of the most beloved traditions of Christmas is the exchange of gifts. People give and receive gifts as a gesture of love, generosity and goodwill representing the Magi bringing gifts to the infant Jesus. The tradition of gift-giving also reflects the spirit of giving and sharing associated with Christmas.

Christmas is a time for families and friends to come together. Special Christmas dinners and feasts are prepared featuring traditional dishes such as roast turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes and Christmas pudding.

Christmas inspires acts of kindness, charity and compassion towards those in need. Many people volunteer at shelters, soup kitchens and charitable organisations to help the less fortunate during the holiday season.

Homes, churches and public spaces are decorated with festive ornaments, lights, wreaths and Christmas trees during the holiday season. The Christmas tree, adorned with lights, ornaments and a star or angel on top, is a popular symbol of Christmas representing life, light and the hope of the coming Messiah.

Again, there are many secular traditions including Father Christmas, Christmas stockings, pantomimes, secret Santa gifts, reindeer and Christmas parties and festivities.

Answer: Jewish

Purim is celebrated on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar which falls in late February to late March in the Gregorian calendar. It commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to exterminate them in ancient Persia.

The story of Purim is recounted in the Book of Esther, a Jewish woman who becomes Queen of Persia. The king's advisor, named Haman, plots to kill all the Jews in the empire. He is thwarted by Esther and her cousin Mordechai who reveal his plan to the king and ultimately save their people. Purim means 'lots' in ancient Persian. The holiday was thus named because Haman had thrown lots to determine when he would carry out his diabolical scheme.

It is a joyous holiday characterised by celebration, gratitude and solidarity, reflecting resilience, courage and deliverance from adversity.

Traditional customs include:

Reading of the Megillah (Scroll of Esther), which recounts the story of the Purim miracle. This is done once on the eve of Purim and then again on the following day.

Giving money to at least two needy people during the daylight hours of Purim.

Sending a package containing at least two different ready-to-eat food items and/or beverages to at least one Jewish acquaintance during the daylight hours of Purim.

Festive meals including hamantaschen (triangular pastries filled with jam or other sweet fillings) and kreplach (dumplings filled with meat or other ingredients). Classic hamantaschen are always filled with poppy seeds which are related to both the seeds given to Daniel and his friends and the seeds Esther ate during her marriage as all the foods were not kosher.

Dressing in costumes symbolising how Esther initially concealed her Jewish identity.

Answer: Jewish

Rosh Hashanah, which translates to 'Head of the Year' in Hebrew, is the Jewish New Year. It is observed on the first and second days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which usually falls in September or early October on the Gregorian calendar. Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the ten High Holy Days, a period of spiritual renewal. It is a time for introspection and repentance known as Teshuvah. It's believed that on this day God judges all beings, inscribing their fate for the coming year in the Book of Life.

Traditional customs include:

Synagogue services featuring liturgical prayers and readings from the Torah. The shofar, a ram's horn, is blown as a call to repentance, awakening listeners to reflect on their deeds and return to God.

Eating of symbolic foods that includes apples dipped in honey to represent the hope for a sweet new year. Challah bread baked in round loaves symbolising the cycle of life and Tzimmes, a dish made from carrots and sweet potatoes and with seasonal fruits symbolising a fruitful year. Pomegranates are a popular choice as they already have Biblical significance, with their many seeds it is hoped abundance of good deeds and actions will be as copious. As it is known as 'head of the year' a head is usually on the menu. This can be any animal but is often just a whole fish.

Many Jews participate in a ritual called Tashlich where they go to a body of water and symbolically cast away their sins by throwing pieces of bread into the water. This is usually performed on the first day of Rosh Hashanah but may be performed on any of the ten Days of Repentance except on Shabbat.

Answer: Jewish

Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It occurs on the 10th day of Tishrei and commemorates the Israelites sinning by worshipping the golden calf in Exodus. Moses ascended Mount Sinai to pray to God to forgive them which was eventually obtained.

It is a solemn occasion dedicated to introspection, repentance and seeking forgiveness from both God and fellow human beings. It is believed that on this day God seals the verdicts of individuals for the upcoming year finalising the judgments that were inscribed on Rosh Hashanah.

Traditional customs include:

The day before Yom Kippur is set aside for eating and preparing for this holy day. Two festive meals are eaten and acts of charity are encouraged.

Yom Kippur itself is traditionally spent in the synagogue with services including prayers, liturgical readings and communal confessions. The highlight of the services is the recitation of the Viddui, a confessional prayer listing sins and seeking forgiveness. There are five prayer services commencing with Kol Nidre and Maariv on the eve through to Neilah at sunset on Yom Kippur. It includes the final Shofar blast marking the end of the fast and the conclusion of the day.

It is customary for worshippers to wear white clothing on Yom Kippur symbolising purity and spiritual renewal.

A day of complete rest and abstention from work. Jews refrain from activities such as work, commerce and the use of electronic devices.

During Yom Kipper Jews refrain from food and drink, marital relations and do not wear leather footwear, wash or use lotions.

Answer: Buddhist

Parinirvana Day, also known as Nirvana Day, commemorates the death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and his attainment of Parinirvan. This final nirvana or liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth is believed to have occurred when he was around 80 years old. It typically falls on February 15th but the exact date may vary based on different calendars and regions.

Traditional customs include:

Prayers, meditation and spiritual practices dedicated to the memory of the Buddha and his teachings. They may recite sutras (Buddhist scriptures), chant mantras and participate in guided meditations focused on impermanence, liberation and the path to enlightenment.

Offerings and acts of merit where they make offerings of flowers, candles, incense and food at Buddhist temples and shrines. They may also engage in acts of merit such as charitable giving, volunteering and practicing kindness and compassion towards others in honour of the Buddha's legacy.

Buddhist communities come together to share teachings and reflections and strengthen their spiritual connection with one another. Monasteries and temples may organise special ceremonies, lectures and discussions centred on the theme of Parinirvana and its significance in Buddhist practice.

Answer: Buddhist

Bodhi Day is a holiday that commemorates the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India. Bodhi Day is observed on December 8th in many Buddhist traditions although the exact date may vary based on different calendars and regions. According to tradition Siddhartha meditated through the night until dawn, finally realising the Four Noble Truths and achieving awakening and becoming the Buddha or the "Awakened One."

Traditional customs include:

Meditation and reflection on the profound realisation of the Buddha and renewing their commitment to the path of awakening and liberation.

The reading of sacred texts that contain teachings that illuminate the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment particularly the Heart or Diamond Sutra.

Buddhist communities often organise special ceremonies, retreats and Dharma talks to mark the day. Monasteries and temples may hold all-night meditation vigils, chanting sessions and lectures.

Answer: Buddhist

Vesak, also known as Vesakha or Buddha Purnima, is one of the most important Buddhist holidays commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of Siddhartha Gautama. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the sixth lunar month, which typically falls in May on the Gregorian calendar.

Traditional customs include:

Prayer and meditation to honour the life and teachings of the Buddha, deepening their spiritual practice and cultivating virtues such as compassion, wisdom and generosity. It is a time for reflection, renewal and celebration of the profound wisdom and compassion exemplified by the Buddha's teachings

Observance of the Eight Precepts which are a set of moral and ethical guidelines by which to live life. The first five are followed all year while the last three include fasting after noon, refraining from entertainment and adornment and practicing celibacy. Many Buddhists choose to observe a vegetarian diet on Vesak as a way to practice compassion and non-violence towards all sentient beings.

Temples and homes are adorned with colourful decorations, banners and lanterns to mark the festive atmosphere of Vesak. Illuminated lanterns symbolise the light of wisdom and enlightenment, dispelling the darkness of ignorance and suffering.

Answer: Islam

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the holiest month for Muslims. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection and community for millions of Muslims around the world. Islam follows the Hijri calendar which has nearly 11 days less than the Gregorian thus Ramadan moves backwards each year.

Traditional customs include:

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory for most adult Muslims. They fast from dawn until sunset abstaining from food, drink, smoking and marital relations during daylight hours. Muslims strive to increase their devotion, mindfulness and good deeds during Ramadan, seeking forgiveness for past sins and striving for self-improvement.

Prayer holds special significance during Ramadan. Muslims perform the five daily prayers (Salat) as usual, but there are additional prayers known as Taraweeh prayers, which are performed at night after the Isha prayer. These prayers are typically held in congregation at mosques and involve recitation of long portions of the Quran.

Ramadan emphasises the importance of charity and generosity. Muslims are encouraged to give to those in need and there is an increased focus on providing assistance to the less fortunate through various charitable initiatives and community projects.

It is a time for families and communities to come together for worship, fellowship and celebration. Muslims often gather for iftar meals with family, friends and neighbours sharing food and prayers.

The end of Ramadan is celebrated with the festival of Eid al-Fitr which marks the conclusion of fasting. It is a joyous occasion characterised by special prayers, feasting, gift-giving and acts of charity.

Answer: Islam

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in Judeo-Christian scriptures) to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God's command. However, before the sacrifice could take place, God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead signifying Ibrahim's devotion and trust.

Traditional customs include:

The central ritual of Eid al-Adha involves the sacrifice of an animal, typically a sheep, goat, cow or camel, as an offering to God.

In the morning Muslims gather in large congregations at mosques or outdoor prayer grounds to perform a special prayer known as Salat al-Eid.

In addition to the obligatory sacrifice, Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of charity and generosity during Eid al-Adha.

Answer: Islam

Ashura is an important religious observance in Islam with different interpretations and practices for both Sunni and Shia Muslims. It falls on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

Shia Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. For Sunni Muslims it is believed to be the day when Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh's tyranny by the parting of the Red Sea.

Traditional customs include:

Shia Muslims observe Ashura as a day of mourning often marked by fasting, prayers and recitations of lamentation poetry that recount the events of Karbala and express sorrow for the suffering of Imam Hussein and his family. The mourning period may extend for several days, with gatherings held at mosques and Hussainiyas (Shia community centres) where participants commemorate the tragedy through speeches, sermons and re-enactments.

Sunni Muslims may fast voluntarily as it is believed to expiate sins and bring blessings. Unlike the Shia theirs is a joyful day of gratitude.

For both it underscores the values of justice, compassion and steadfastness in the face of adversity, drawing lessons from the experiences of Imam Hussein and Prophet Moses.

Answer: Hindu

Holi, known as the Festival of Colours, is a joyful, colourful and vibrant Hindu festival celebrated in March marking the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. It embrace the colours of life and rejoices in the beauty of springtime and the bonds of friendship and love.

Traditional customs include:

The night before Holi people gather to perform rituals around a bonfire known as Holika Dahan. This ritual symbolises the burning of evil spirits and the triumph of good. People sing and dance around the fire offering prayers for prosperity and well-being.

People joyfully smear each other with coloured powders and spray coloured water creating a festive atmosphere of fun and colour.

Water is also used liberally during Holi celebrations. People engage in playful water fights, spraying each other with water guns and throwing water balloons. The water symbolises purification and renewal, washing away past grievances and ushering in fresh beginnings.

Holi is also a time for sharing sweets and delicacies with family, friends, and neighbours. Traditional Holi sweets like gujiya (sweet dumplings), malpua (sweet pancakes) and thandai (a spiced milk beverage) are prepared and exchanged.

Answer: Hindu

Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival honouring Lord Ganesha who is revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences and the god of wisdom and intellect. It is a time of joy, devotion and celebration bringing communities together in reverence for Lord Ganesha and the values he represents. It fosters a sense of unity, cultural pride and spiritual renewal as devotees seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for success, prosperity and the fulfilment of their wishes.

The festival typically lasts for 10 days, starting on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls in August or September on the Gregorian calendar.

Traditional customs include:

The installation of clay idols of Lord Ganesha in homes, temples and community pandals (temporary stages or tents).

Throughout the 10-day festival devotees perform daily puja (worship) to the Ganesh idol offering flowers, incense, sweets and fruits. Special prayers and hymns dedicated to Lord Ganesha are recited, seeking his blessings for prosperity, success and the removal of obstacles.

The culmination of Ganesh Chaturthi is marked by the immersion of the Ganesh idols in water bodies such as rivers, lakes or the sea in a ritual known as Visarjan. On the final day of the festival devotees carry the idols in grand processions accompanied by music and chanting before immersing them in the water. The immersion symbolises the departure of Lord Ganesha from the earthly realm and his return to his celestial abode.

Answer: Hindu

Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, observed by millions of people across the world. It is often referred to as the Festival of Lights and holds significant cultural, religious and spiritual importance. Diwali typically falls between mid-October and mid-November depending on the Hindu lunar calendar. Diwali is also celebrated in Jainism and Sikhism and by the Vajrayana, a minority Buddhist sect in Nepal.

It commemorates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. The festival symbolises the triumph of righteousness and the dispelling of darkness from both the external world and the inner self.

Traditional customs include:

Diwali is marked by the decoration of homes, temples and public spaces with colourful rangoli (intricate patterns made with coloured powders), diyas (oil lamps), candles and electric lights. Fireworks and firecrackers are a traditional part of Diwali celebrations, symbolising the joy and excitement of the festival.

Families gather for puja (ritual worship) to offer prayers and gratitude to the gods and goddesses. Special offerings including sweets, fruits and flowers are made to the deities and hymns and mantras are recited to invoke their blessings.

In addition to personal celebrations, Diwali also emphasises the importance of charity and giving back to the community. Many people donate to charitable organisations, feed the hungry or offer assistance to those in need.