Light a Chalice

One of the simplest ways to incorporate a regular UU practice into your family life is with a chalice.

The chalice was first used as a symbol during World War II by the Unitarian Service Committee whose mission at the time was to provide aid and support to many of those whose lives and well-being were under threat by the Third Reich.  Today, the flaming chalice is seen as ubiquitous with Unitarian Universalist identity worldwide. You can learn more about the history of this great symbol by reading the UUA brochure, “The Flaming Chalice.”

Thus, many UU families light a chalice before dinner, or alternatively before a special family moment, or at the start of a holiday.  Asking each member of the family to take turns sharing a thought, or designating someone to read a poem or quote while lighting the chalice not only focusing the family’s attention on this important symbol, but it also connects home life very clearly to church life.

At my home, we put a chalice in the center of the large parlor window during the winter holiday season rather than some sort of Christmas candle.  This reminds us that the chalice itself has often been seen as a symbol of refuge from the world, inviting others into a safe and loving environment.  Many Dutch Unitarians used this practice during WWII to let persecuted Jews and others know that their home served as a safe house along their path to safety and freedom.

Your family can also get into the chalice with a more hands-on approach, downloading an Alice the Chalice coloring page, or making a family chalice out of clay.  The more creative among you can even personalize the chalice by having members of the family contribute small personal tokens, such as a button, pin or other small item to the project.  Small clay pots bought at a craft store can also be glued and painted to make a chalice following these directions.