Whatever Shall I Wear? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Judaism

The yarmulke, also called a kippah, is a small brimless skullcap worn by Jewish men as a sign of reverence and recognition of God's presence above them. The practice isn't mandated directly in the Torah, but it evolved over centuries into a widespread custom, especially during prayer, study, and religious ceremonies. Today, observant Jewish men (and in some communities, women) wear the kippah daily.

Styles vary, from simple black to colorful crocheted designs, and can even indicate a wearer's religious or cultural community. It's both a deeply personal symbol of humility and a practical one that keeps adherents mindful of their faith with its presence felt on the scalp.

Answer: Sikhism

In Sikhism, one of the central tenets is "kesh", the practice of keeping hair uncut, symbolizing acceptance of God's will and the natural form He created. To cover and protect their long hair, Sikh men (and sometimes women) wear the dastar, or turban, which has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the faith.

The dastar isn't just to keep you from tripping over your hair. It represents honor, spirituality, and equality. Historically, in India, turbans were associated with nobility and authority. By requiring all Sikhs to wear one, the religion symbolically placed every follower on equal footing, regardless of social class.

Answer: Mormonism

In Mormonism (formally, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), faithful members who undergo the temple endowment ceremony are given sacred clothing known as temple garments. These garments are worn beneath regular clothing as a constant reminder of covenants made with God, and many Latter-day Saints believe they provide spiritual protection against temptation and evil influences.

The garments are simple in design, usually white, and not meant to be visible. While outsiders often focus on the novel idea of "holy underwear", to members the garments are deeply symbolic, akin to religious clothing in other faiths such as the Jewish tallit katan or the Sikh dastar. Their sacredness lies less in the fabric itself than in the commitment and faith of the wearer.

Answer: Buddhism

In Buddhism, the kasaya is the traditional robe worn by ordained monks and nuns, with roots tracing back to garments worn in India around the time of the Buddha. The word "kasaya" originally referred to the reddish-brown color of the robes, though today colors can vary by region and sect, ranging from gold and maroon to gray and black.

The robes are intentionally simple, made from patched-together cloth to symbolize detachment from material wealth. Traditionally, fabric was scavenged from discarded rags or even shrouds from charnel grounds, then dyed to remove all traces of luxury. Over time, that tradition "dyed" out, but the kasaya remains a visual symbol of renunciation, humility, and monastic enlightenment.

Answer: Scientology

In Scientology, senior members (part of the "Sea Org") may wear a distinctive eight-pointed cross that symbolizes the eight dynamics of existence: self, family, groups, mankind, all living things, the physical universe, spirituality, and infinity. For those who achieve the advanced spiritual levels known as Operating Thetan (OT) statuses, special insignia are added to indicate their rank and progression within the church.

The design is often mistaken for variations of Christian crosses, but its meaning is unique to Scientology and reflects L. Ron Hubbard's teachings on spiritual advancement. While to outsiders it may look like a piece of jewelry, within the church it's a visible marker of achievement, commitment, and one's standing in the spiritual hierarchy.

Answer: Islam

In Islam, modest dress is an important part of faith, and women around the world observe it in different ways. The hijab typically refers to a headscarf covering the hair and neck, while the abaya is a loose-fitting cloak, most common in the Middle East. The niqab covers the face except for the eyes, and the burqa, found most often in Afghanistan, covers the entire body with a mesh screen over the eyes. The degree of covering depends on cultural traditions, personal choice, and interpretation of Islamic teachings.

Answer: Roman Catholicism

In Roman Catholicism, the zucchetto is a small, rounded skullcap worn by members of the clergy. Its color signifies rank: purple for bishops, red for cardinals, and white solely for the Pope. This color coding is one of those subtle but instantly recognizable markers of hierarchy within the Church.

The zucchetto's origin is actually practical. It was worn originally to keep the shaved heads of medieval clergy warm. Over time, it became part of the official attire, with the Pope's white version symbolizing purity and his role as leader of the Church. While it's not nearly as flashy as a papal tiara, it has its charms.

Answer: Hinduism

In Hinduism, the bindi is a colored dot or sometimes a jewel that is worn on the forehead between the eyebrows, the location of the ajna chakra, often called the "third eye." This spot is believed to be a center of intuition, spiritual insight, and higher consciousness. Traditionally, married women wore red bindis as a symbol of their marital status, but over time it has evolved into a broader spiritual and decorative practice for both men and women.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the bindi serves as a reminder to focus inward and collect wisdom. In certain spiritual rituals and practices, it is also thought to help channel energy and protect against negative influences, connecting the wearer to the divine and encouraging mindfulness in daily life.

Answer: Shintoism

In Shintoism, the indigenous religion of Japan, priests (kannushi) wear ceremonial garments known collectively as shozoku. These robes come in different styles and colors depending on the ritual, festival, or occasion. For example, the jōe is a simple white robe symbolizing purity, with more elaborate robes like the sokutai or kariginu featuring bright colors and intricate designs for formal ceremonies.

Shozoku are often paired with headgear, such as the eboshi, and accessories like the shaku (a flat wooden baton). The overall look is replete with symbolism, demonstrating Shinto's deep emphasis on harmony, purity, and respect for the kami (spirits or deities). Even today, these garments connect modern rituals to centuries of Japanese tradition.

Answer: Rastafarianism

In Rastafarianism, dreadlocks are more than a hairstyle. They are a spiritual expression. Inspired in part by the Nazarite vow in the Bible (Numbers 6:5), dreadlocks symbolize a covenant with God (whom Rastafarians call Jah), as well as a rejection of Babylon, meaning the corrupt materialistic world.

The style also reflects strength and natural living, often compared to the mane of the lion, a sacred symbol representing Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia whom Rastafarians consider divine. Combined with the faith's other cultural markers, like reggae music and the colors red, gold, and green, dreadlocks have become one of the most easily recognizable symbols of Rastafarian identity.