One of the great joys of tackling a daily crossword puzzle is encountering those clever, compact clues that simultaneously test your general knowledge and your understanding of crossword conventions. Today, we’re diving into one such gem: “Passover mo., often.” It’s a classic example of a type of
crossword clue
that, at first glance, might seem deceptively simple, but holds layers for the astute solver to peel back.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in economy. We have “Passover,” pointing to a significant religious observance. Then, the crucial abbreviation “mo.,” which immediately tells any seasoned solver to think “month.” And finally, the intriguing qualifier “often.” Each element is carefully chosen, designed to guide you without giving too much away, which is the hallmark of a truly well-crafted
crossword clue
.
For many, calendar-based
crossword clues
are a familiar friend (or foe, depending on the day!). They require not just a grasp of the Gregorian calendar, but sometimes, as in this case, an awareness of other calendar systems or the specific timing of holidays within them. The “often” in “Passover mo., often” is particularly insightful. It’s a nod to the lunisolar nature of the Hebrew calendar, which governs the timing of Passover. While the holiday shifts annually on the Gregorian calendar, its position within the Hebrew calendar is fixed. Understanding this nuance is often the key to unlocking the correct answer for this type of
crossword clue
.
The beauty of a
crossword clue
like this lies in its ability to bridge different knowledge domains. You’re not just recalling a fact; you’re interpreting an abbreviation and understanding a specific cultural context. It’s a multi-layered challenge that rewards precision and an eye for detail. When you see “mo.,” your mind should instantly jump to “month,” narrowing down the possibilities. And when you see “often,” it’s an invitation to consider the
primary
or
fixed
month in the holiday’s native calendar system, rather than getting sidetracked by its fluctuating Gregorian dates.
These types of highly specific yet elegantly brief
crossword clues
are what make the daily puzzle such a rewarding intellectual exercise. They force you to think outside the box, to consider common abbreviations, and to delve into various subjects from history to religion to geography. Deciphering a
crossword clue
like “Passover mo., often” isn’t just about filling in letters; it’s about connecting disparate pieces of knowledge and recognizing the subtle hints the clue-setter has meticulously placed for you. It’s a little victory, a small moment of triumph that reminds us why we love these puzzles so much. The satisfaction of seeing those letters fall perfectly into place, knowing you’ve navigated the linguistic and factual twists, is what keeps us coming back for more.
Available Answers:
APR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Wednesday’s Daily By Rebecca Goldstein / Ed. Patti Varol