Title: Religion Facts, History & Quizzes | Mental Floss
Open Graph Title: Religion Facts, History & Quizzes | Mental Floss
X Title: Religion Facts, History & Quizzes | Mental Floss
Description: Discover fun religion facts, trivia, and surprising stories on Mental Floss—content that entertains, educates, and satisfies your curiosity.
Open Graph Description: Discover fun religion facts, trivia, and surprising stories on Mental Floss—content that entertains, educates, and satisfies your curiosity.
X Description: Discover fun religion facts, trivia, and surprising stories on Mental Floss—content that entertains, educates, and satisfies your curiosity.
Opengraph URL: https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/religion
Domain: www.mentalfloss.com
{"@context":"http://schema.org","@type":"WebSite","@id":"www.mentalfloss.com","url":"https://www.mentalfloss.com","name":"Mental Floss","description":"Discover fun religion facts, trivia, and surprising stories on Mental Floss—content that entertains, educates, and satisfies your curiosity.","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Mental Floss","url":"https://www.mentalfloss.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/v1541941289/frontier/sites/logos/mental-floss-logo-120px-height.png"}},"inLanguage":"en-US","mainEntity":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/religion","url":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/religion","name":"Religion Facts, History & Quizzes | Mental Floss","description":"Discover fun religion facts, trivia, and surprising stories on Mental Floss—content that entertains, educates, and satisfies your curiosity.","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPageElement","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/religion#main-content","name":"Main Content","description":"Discover fun religion facts, trivia, and surprising stories on Mental Floss—content that entertains, educates, and satisfies your curiosity."}}}
{"@context":"http://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.mentalfloss.com"}]}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/religion/hidden-italy-meet-don-giacomo-priest-sacred-medieval-sanctuary-calabria","headline":"Hidden Italy: Meet Don Giacomo, the Priest of a Sacred Medieval Sanctuary in Calabria","description":"Beyond medieval artwork and centuries-old history, this Italian parish is a place of reflection and meaningful encounters, where Don Giacomo welcomes you to share in its story.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Logan DeLoye"},"datePublished":"2026-11-08T18:00:01Z","dateModified":"2026-11-08T18:00:01Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/religion/hidden-italy-meet-don-giacomo-priest-sacred-medieval-sanctuary-calabria"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/holidays/diwali-name-meaning","headline":"What Does “Diwali” Mean—and Why Is It Also Called Deepavali?","description":"This Hindu holiday is celebrated in many different ways, but it always revolves around one theme: the victory of light over darkness.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Eden Gordon"},"datePublished":"2026-11-08T12:00:01Z","dateModified":"2026-11-08T12:00:01Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/holidays/diwali-name-meaning"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/religion/why-diwali-different-dates-every-year","headline":"Why Is Diwali Celebrated on Different Dates Every Year?","description":"It all comes down to the calendar it follows. Learn more about the five-day celebration of Diwali.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Jane Alexander"},"datePublished":"2026-11-07T17:00:00Z","dateModified":"2026-11-07T17:00:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/religion/why-diwali-different-dates-every-year"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/holidays/why-marigolds-dia-de-los-muertos","headline":"Why Marigolds Are Displayed During Día de los Muertos","description":"These bright orange flowers are steeped in folklore and serve numerous purposes during this festive celebration of the dead.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Eden Gordon"},"datePublished":"2026-10-29T21:00:01Z","dateModified":"2026-10-29T21:00:01Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/holidays/why-marigolds-dia-de-los-muertos"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/holidays/autumn-equinox-celebrations-around-world","headline":"8 Ways Cultures Around the World Celebrate the Autumn Equinox","description":"From Higan in Japan to the neo-Pagan holiday of Mabon, these equinox festivals welcome longer nights and chillier weather with feasting, ritual, reflection, and more.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Eden Gordon"},"datePublished":"2026-09-21T20:00:01Z","dateModified":"2026-09-21T20:00:01Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/holidays/autumn-equinox-celebrations-around-world"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/religion/what-do-biblically-accurate-angels-look-like","headline":"What Do Biblically Accurate Angels Actually Look Like?","description":"From the seraphim and cherubim to Archangel Michael and the famous many-eyed wheels, angels take many forms—and many names—in the Bible.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Eden Gordon"},"datePublished":"2026-09-17T16:00:01Z","dateModified":"2026-09-17T16:00:01Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/religion/what-do-biblically-accurate-angels-look-like"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/music/george-harrison-favorite-book-spiritual-classic","headline":"George Harrison's Favorite Book Is a Spiritual Classic","description":"\"Autobiography of a Yogi\" shaped George Harrison's spiritual philosophy. It also influenced Elvis Presley, Steve Jobs, and countless other spiritual seekers.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Eden Gordon"},"datePublished":"2026-08-13T23:00:00Z","dateModified":"2026-08-13T23:00:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/music/george-harrison-favorite-book-spiritual-classic"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/maps/every-states-most-popular-religion-excluding-christianity","headline":"Every State’s Most Popular Religion (Excluding Christianity), Mapped","description":"Five religions come in second-place to Christianity across the country.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Jenny Cohen"},"datePublished":"2026-08-01T14:00:00Z","dateModified":"2026-08-01T14:00:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/maps/every-states-most-popular-religion-excluding-christianity"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/history/medieval-feast-boy-bishop","headline":"The Medieval Feast Where Children Were Temporarily Put in Charge","description":"Every Christmas, some medieval churches put a child in charge. Learn the surprising history of the boy bishop and the Feast of the Holy Innocents.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Jane Alexander"},"datePublished":"2026-07-31T18:00:03Z","dateModified":"2026-07-31T18:00:03Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/history/medieval-feast-boy-bishop"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/folklore-mythology/spiritual-meaning-buck-moon","headline":"The Spiritual Meaning of the Buck Moon","description":"July's full moon is called the Buck Moon, and it is sometimes said to be an ideal time for recommitting to your dreams with fresh focus and energy.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Eden Gordon"},"datePublished":"2026-07-23T16:00:02Z","dateModified":"2026-07-23T16:00:03Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/folklore-mythology/spiritual-meaning-buck-moon"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/states/most-least-religious-states-ranked","headline":"The Most—And Least—Religious States, Ranked","description":"Does your state make the list?","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Jenny Cohen"},"datePublished":"2026-07-20T12:00:03Z","dateModified":"2026-07-20T12:00:03Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/states/most-least-religious-states-ranked"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/language/words/everyday-greek-mythology-words","headline":"10 Greek Mythology Words You Use Every Day","description":"These common English words—including \"siren,\" \"echo,\" and \"narcissism\"—all have roots in ancient Greek mythology.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Paul Anthony Jones"},"datePublished":"2026-07-15T18:00:02Z","dateModified":"2026-07-15T18:00:03Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/language/words/everyday-greek-mythology-words"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/food/beverages/matcha-history-meaning","headline":"The History and Spiritual Meaning of Matcha","description":"Matcha is surging in popularity, but what exactly is it? Learn about its origins, traditions, and benefits, as well as its etymology and cultivation process.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Eden Gordon"},"datePublished":"2026-07-07T19:00:02Z","dateModified":"2026-07-07T19:00:03Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/food/beverages/matcha-history-meaning"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/history/real-succession-crises-more-chaotic-house-of-the-dragon","headline":"6 Real Succession Crises More Chaotic Than ‘House of the Dragon’","description":"Step aside, Rhaenyra and Aegon. These historical succession conflicts take the cake.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Chris Wheatley"},"datePublished":"2026-07-05T12:00:02Z","dateModified":"2026-07-05T12:00:02Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/history/real-succession-crises-more-chaotic-house-of-the-dragon"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/folklore-mythology/why-cover-mirrors-after-death","headline":"Why Mirrors Are Covered After Death in Some Cultures","description":"Why are mirrors covered after death in some cultures? From superstition to Jewish mourning traditions, here’s what the practice means.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Paul Anthony Jones"},"datePublished":"2026-06-06T15:00:00Z","dateModified":"2026-06-06T15:00:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/folklore-mythology/why-cover-mirrors-after-death"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/music/george-harrison-songs-inspired-by-spirituality","headline":"5 George Harrison Songs Inspired by Spirituality","description":"George Harrison channeled his love for Eastern spirituality into classic songs from \"While My Guitar Gently Weeps\" to \"My Sweet Lord.\"","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Paul Anthony Jones"},"datePublished":"2026-06-06T14:00:02Z","dateModified":"2026-06-06T14:00:02Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/music/george-harrison-songs-inspired-by-spirituality"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/wanderlust/destinations-said-to-have-natural-healing-powers","headline":"Vortexes and Holy Waters: 6 Destinations Said to Have Natural Healing Powers","description":"From the Ganges River to the Dead Sea, these natural places have been attracting people looking for healing and transformation for thousands of years.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Eden Gordon"},"datePublished":"2026-05-30T13:00:01Z","dateModified":"2026-05-30T13:00:01Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/wanderlust/destinations-said-to-have-natural-healing-powers"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/maps/most-and-least-religiously-diverse-countries","headline":"See a Map of the World's Most (And Least) Religiously Diverse Countries","description":"A Pew Research Center map reveals the world’s most and least religiously diverse countries, from Singapore and Taiwan to Yemen and Somalia.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Jenny Cohen"},"datePublished":"2026-05-16T20:00:00Z","dateModified":"2026-05-16T20:00:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/maps/most-and-least-religiously-diverse-countries"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/weird/times-people-claimed-to-be-reincarnated","headline":"7 Times People Claimed to Have Been Reincarnated","description":"From a boy who claimed he remembered life as a World War II pilot to a girl who said she remembered the man who was her husband in her past life, these stories have mystified generations.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Eden Gordon"},"datePublished":"2026-05-14T14:00:01Z","dateModified":"2026-05-14T14:00:01Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/weird/times-people-claimed-to-be-reincarnated"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/history/public-universal-friend","headline":"The 18th Century Genderless Preacher You've Never Heard Of","description":"The Public Universal friend rejected slavery and preached universal salvation.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Eden Gordon"},"datePublished":"2026-05-10T18:00:00Z","dateModified":"2026-05-10T18:00:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/history/public-universal-friend"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/mountains-you-cant-climb","headline":"5 Mountains That Are Totally Off-Limits (And Why)","description":"From sacred mountains to military sites, humans are banned from these mountains and monuments.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Lorna Wallace"},"datePublished":"2026-05-02T16:00:01Z","dateModified":"2026-05-02T16:00:01Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/mountains-you-cant-climb"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/holidays/why-people-dance-around-maypoles-may-day","headline":"Why Do People Dance Around Maypoles on May Day?","description":"The practice has its roots in ancient pagan traditions that were persecuted by the Puritans.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Eden Gordon"},"datePublished":"2026-04-30T20:00:01Z","dateModified":"2026-04-30T20:00:01Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/holidays/why-people-dance-around-maypoles-may-day"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/history/cults-predicted-end-of-world","headline":"4 Cults That Prophesied the End of the World","description":"From 2nd-century sects to Heaven's Gate, doomsday cults are nothing new.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Eden Gordon"},"datePublished":"2026-04-14T14:00:01Z","dateModified":"2026-04-14T14:00:01Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/history/cults-predicted-end-of-world"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/crime/fundamentalist-church-jesus-christ-latter-day-saints-facts","headline":"7 Disturbing Facts About the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints","description":"The docuseries \"Trust Me: The False Prophet\" is the latest to expose atrocities committed by members of the FLDS.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Eden Gordon"},"datePublished":"2026-04-09T18:00:01Z","dateModified":"2026-04-09T18:00:02Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/crime/fundamentalist-church-jesus-christ-latter-day-saints-facts"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/maps/most-valuable-company-every-state-map","headline":"The Most Valuable Company in Every State, Mapped","description":"Based on October 2026 market cap data, this map reveals the biggest publicly traded powerhouse headquartered in all 50 U.S. states.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Jenny Cohen"},"datePublished":"2026-11-12T21:00:01Z","dateModified":"2026-11-12T21:00:01Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/maps/most-valuable-company-every-state-map"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/live-smarter/money/surprisingly-valuable-garage-sale-finds","headline":"20 Common Garage Sale Finds That Can Be Surprisingly Valuable","description":"From pyrex to vinyl records, here's what to look for when you're combing through somebody else's stuff.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Paul Anthony Jones"},"datePublished":"2026-11-12T15:00:00Z","dateModified":"2026-11-12T15:00:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/live-smarter/money/surprisingly-valuable-garage-sale-finds"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/folklore-mythology/real-mythology-helped-inspire-jrr-tolkien-elves","headline":"The Real Mythology That Helped Inspire J.R.R. Tolkien's Elves","description":"How Old Norse sagas, Anglo-Saxon poems, and Irish mythology helped J.R.R. Tolkien transform tiny Victorian fairies into the majestic Elves of Middle-earth.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Matt Hoffman"},"datePublished":"2026-11-11T23:00:03Z","dateModified":"2026-11-11T23:00:03Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/folklore-mythology/real-mythology-helped-inspire-jrr-tolkien-elves"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/nostalgia/1970s-household-luxuries","headline":"20 Things That Were Considered Luxuries in the 1970s","description":"Discover 20 everyday items—from microwaves and color TVs to home bars and the Sony Walkman—that were high-status luxury goods in 1970s America.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Paul Anthony Jones"},"datePublished":"2026-11-11T21:18:52Z","dateModified":"2026-11-11T21:18:52Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/nostalgia/1970s-household-luxuries"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/advertising/why-7-eleven-called-7-eleven","headline":"Why Is 7-Eleven Called 7-Eleven?","description":"An ad agency named the chain after its store hours, but the hours didn’t last. ","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Matt Hoffman"},"datePublished":"2026-11-11T19:00:00Z","dateModified":"2026-11-11T19:00:00Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/advertising/why-7-eleven-called-7-eleven"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/holidays/holiday-jokes-funny-share-with-everyone","headline":"75 Holiday Jokes That Are So Funny, You'll Want to Share Them With Everyone","description":"These jokes are sure to add a little laughter to your Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's celebrations! ","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Logan DeLoye"},"datePublished":"2026-11-10T19:00:00Z","dateModified":"2026-11-10T19:00:01Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/holidays/holiday-jokes-funny-share-with-everyone"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/holidays/why-veterans-day-originally-called-armistice-day","headline":"Why Veterans Day Was Originally Called Armistice Day","description":"The name and the meaning of Veterans Day have changed throughout history to include all those who have served in the military.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Chelsea Thatcher"},"datePublished":"2026-11-10T15:00:01Z","dateModified":"2026-11-10T15:00:01Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/holidays/why-veterans-day-originally-called-armistice-day"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/maps/most-popular-thanksgiving-desserts-by-state-map","headline":"Map Shows America's Favorite Thanksgiving Desserts","description":"DoorDash data reveals the most popular Thanksgiving desserts in every state, from classic pumpkin pie to surprising chocolate cake.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Nitya Rao"},"datePublished":"2026-11-10T01:00:01Z","dateModified":"2026-11-10T01:00:01Z","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/maps/most-popular-thanksgiving-desserts-by-state-map"}}
| fb:app_id | 350309542584520 |
| fb:pages | 10974002364 |
| og:site_name | Mental Floss |
| og:image:width | 1440 |
| og:image:height | 810 |
| twitter:url | https://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/religion |
| twitter:card | summary_large_image |
| twitter:image:width | 1440 |
| twitter:image:height | 810 |
| theme-color | #000000 |
| og:type | website |
| og:image | https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/v1541941289/frontier/sites/logos/mental-floss-logo-120px-height.png |
| twitter:image | https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/v1541941289/frontier/sites/logos/mental-floss-logo-120px-height.png |
Links:
Viewport: width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0
Robots: max-image-preview:large