Holidays in Unitarian Universalism

Traditional Holidays

Unitarian Universalism celebrates theological diversity. The sources of our faith include aspects of Jewish and Christian traditions, Humanist teachings, and teachings from earth-centered traditions. The holiday celebrations in Unitarian Universalist congregations reflect this diversity.

Many Unitarian Universalists and their congregations celebrate Christian holidays like Christmas, Jewish holidays like Passover, and Pagan Winter Solstice, among others. Some Unitarian Universalists take a unique approach to these celebrations. One common example is to celebrate Christmas by giving back in one’s community or donating to a personally important cause as a way to reflect on the meaning of the ritual of gift-giving.

In addition to religious holidays, many Unitarian Universalists and their congregations also honor secular holidays including Earth Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, and Thanksgiving. Here too, Unitarian Universalists may re-envision these holidays by for example, reflecting on the ethical choices we make when preparing a Thanksgiving meal.

Unitarian Universalist Holidays

Many Unitarian Universalists and their congregations also celebrate holidays that are unique to our faith. These can include Chalica, Flower Communion, Sources Supper, and Water Communion. In proud Unitarian Universalist tradition, new holidays and opportunities to commemorate important people and events are continually created and enacted.

For resources and information to help you celebrate holidays, please visit the Worship Web. To learn more about Unitarian Universalist beliefs, visit Are My Beliefs Welcome? Find out more about life in Unitarian Universalist congregations on our Congregational Life and Worship page.

To experience Unitarian Universalism firsthand, we invite you to visit a congregation near you!