Saturday, December 12, 1998

Test your knowledge of the month's major religious observances

By Tom Schaefer

Knight Ridder Newspapers

Think you know all about the major religious observances in the month of December?

Well, then, which religion observes Dec. 26 as the death of its prophet? And which one considers Dec. 21 the start of its new year? Here's a test to see how much you really know -- or don't know.

There are 10 multiple-choice statements. The correct answers are at the end. (No peeking.)

With folks of various religions observing important dates this month, now's a good time to learn a bit about a religion other than your own. Suggestions for additional learning are noted below.

1. The Christian season of Advent, which began this year on Nov. 29, lasts for:

A. Six weeks

B. Five weeks

C. Four weeks

2. In Islam, Nisei Sha'ban - observed this year on Dec. 3 - refers to:

A. "Night of Repentance," in preparation for Ramadan

B. "Festival of Fast-Breaking" which follows the month of Ramadan

C. "Night of Power," which marks the anniversary of the night on which the prophet Muhammad began receiving revelations from God

3. Hanukkah, which begins this year at sundown Dec. 13, celebrates the victory of:

A. Moses and the Hebrew slaves over Pharaoh and the Egyptian army

B. Judah the Maccabee and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple

C. David and his army over the forces of the Philistines

4. For Muslims, Dec. 20 marks the start of Ramadan, which lasts:

A. One day

B. One week

C. One month

5. The Grand Ceremony of the winter solstice on Dec. 22 celebrates the ending of the yin period of the sun in:

A. Shintoism

B. Confucianism

C. Jainism

6. Dec. 21 is called Yule, marking the new year in certain traditions of:

A. Wicca

B. Hasidism

C. Hare Krishna

7. Dec. 25 is observed as the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th and final master honored in:

A. Igbo

B. Theravada Buddhism

C. Sikhism

8. Not all Christians observe Dec. 25 as Jesus' birthday. Among those who do not are:

A. Jehovah's Witnesses

B. Mormons

C. Salvation Army

9. Dec. 26 is the anniversary of the death of the founder of:

A. Baha'i

B. Zoroastrianism

C. Hinduism

10. In Zoroastrianism, Ghambar Maidyarem (Dec. 31 through Jan. 4) celebrates the creation of:

A. Humans

B. Fire

C. Animals

Answers: 1. C 2. A 3. B 4. C 5. A 6. A 7. C 8. A 9. B 10. C

Do you need more information about one or more of the religions referred to? Here are some resources to consult: "Dictionary of Religions," edited by John Hinnells; "Continuum Dictionary of Religion" by Michael Pye; "Religions of the World" by Lewis Hopfe and Mark Woodward.

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(Tom Schaefer writes about religion and ethics for the Wichita (Kan.) Eagle. Write to him at the Wichita Eagle, P.O. Box 820, Wichita, KS 67201, or send e-mail to tschaefer@wichitaeagle.com )

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(c) 1998, The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kan.).

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