This week, people in England celebrate Guy Fawkes Day in remembrance of a famous terrorist plot. In 1605. Do you know these other historically-based holidays? Answer the questions to prove you're a real history buff.

1. Let's start with an easy one. The French celebrate the day when the citizenry had had enough, and stormed the Bastille. What day is that?
2. What historical event is commemorated on Easter Monday?
3. On 18 February next year, Americans will celebrate George Washington's birthday. Why is that weird?
4. Forty days after Easter, Austrians (among others) celebrate Ascension Day. Who did what on this day?
5. In Iceland, the first Monday in August is Verslunarmannahelgi. What are they celebrating?
6. Everybody else celebrates Halloween on 31 October. In Ireland, where it started, they have the last Monday in October off. What is the name of this auspicious holiday?
7. Defence of the Fatherland (Motherland) Day in Russia is 23 February. What did it used to be called?
8. 30 April is Walpurgisnacht, which in addition to being a big witch-y holiday, is a public holiday in Sweden. What was significant about it in medieval Sweden?
9. In Israel, there's a solemn holiday called the Fast of the Ninth of Av. What does it commemorate?
10. The Chinese festival of Chung Yeung is held on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. What legendary event explains this tradition?

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Dmitri Gheorgheni

05.11.18 Front Page

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