1. This time of year, many Christians partake in a period of Quadragesima. What is Quadragesima?

2. In the Muslim faith, the first Eid of the year is known as Eid al-Fitr. What is Eid, and what is Eid al-Fitr?

3. Why do all Jewish holidays begin the evening before the date specified on the calendar?

4. The Bible lists seven deadly sins or vices. Name them.

5. The Buddhist religion was founded in 520 B.C. What does "Buddha" mean?

Answers

1. Quadragesima denotes the Christian season of preparation by fasting, prayer and almsgiving.

2. Eid is a religious holiday, and Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadan, which is the month in which Muslims fast every day from sunrise to sunset.

3. A Jewish "day" begins and ends at sunset, rather than at midnight.

4. Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride.

5. In Sanskrit, Buddha is the "awakened one."

Take "The Answer Man" to work or to school. Challenge your friends for "Bragging Rights."

Send your questions and answers to: The Answer Man, Dawn Seamans-Shook. [email protected]