Deserts, water and wisdom (Level 1)

The desert is also referred to as ocean without water. In this place of emptiness and silence people can still be themselves. For thousands of years, humans have been fascinated by this characteristic landscape, but also frightened by the dangers of sandstorms, heat and dehydration. Every culture believes that water is the origin of life. Water is a symbol of vitality, renewal, cleaning and hope, however, it can also be extremely destructive. Many writers, poets and philosophers have been inspired by both, desert and water, and everywhere on the world people pilgrimage to holy springs and streams. : Three correct answers (except for question 1 and 5). : One correct answer. You can solve the quiz as often as you like!

1	Which two quotations apply to the desertification process?
	Humans are even able to blossom the desert. The only desert to remain unchanged is in the brain.
	Even in the desert «the law of the jungle» prevails.
	The more civilised the countries are, the narrower is the desert, and the rarer it's inhabitants.
	We know that the white man does not understand our ways. His appetite will devour the Earth and leave behind only a desert.

2	Water wisdoms: which of the following sayings does not come from Africa.
	Not everywhere where there is water, are there frogs; but where you have frogs, there you will find water.
	If water is spilled it can not be collected back.
	Those you are very greedy about water, don't drink it.
	Don't through away your walking stick before you are out of the swamp.

3	Water in religious rituals. Find the correct answers:
	Babtism symbolises the cleansing away of the sins of men and the alliance with god.
	In Buddhism the newly married couple should have a bath after the wedding ceremony.
	The ashes of Hindus are deposited in the river Ganges, to ensure a smooth transition to the next life, or freed from the cycle of death and rebirth.
	Jewish brides have a special bath, called Mikwe, in the night before their wedding.

4	Without water no hygiene. Find the correct answers:
	Soap was a measure of prosperity and civilisation.
	An old American Indian custom says you should wash your car using a bucket and sponge instead of a hose.
	Prior to the introduction of the thermae Romans used to have a bath only every ninth day on market days.
	Muslims wash themselves before praying.

5	Water wisdoms from nature:
	African men living in the bush follow animal tracks to find water.
	Some beetles in the Namib desert can survive in temperatures of more than 70° Celsius.
	Salmon returns to the exact same place in the ocean to spawn.

6	Which of the following pictures are showing holy springs and water ways: A)   B)   C)   D)
	A) Holy spring in Rome
	B) Holy spring in Mexico
	C) Holy spring in Bali
	D) The holy river "Ganges" in India

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