Chalica

Chalica is a holiday celebrated by some Unitarian Universalists. It traditionally begins on the first Monday in December and lasts seven days,[1][2] though a seven-week variant beginning in January is also observed.[3] On each of the seven nights (or weeks), a different principle of Unitarian Universalism is honored.[4] On each day, a chalice is ignited, the day's principle is read, and ways of honoring the principle are enacted, such as volunteering or donating to a social justice cause.[5][6] There is no rule for how the chalice or display should look, but there are traditionally seven candles around the chalice, one for each principle.[7] Activities on each day vary, and may include discussions, group activities, and songs.[8]

History

Chalica was created as a holiday in 2005 by Daylene Marshall.[9] While it has gained followers since, it is not a widely celebrated holiday.[10]

Variations

To solve the problem of having only a single week in which to cram seven nonnominal deeds for the seven Unitarian Universalist principles, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bowling Green in Kentucky extends Chalica into a seven-week observance. Further, Chalica at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bowling Green starts on the first Sunday in January as an extension of the New Year's resolution concept.[3]

References
  1. Skinner, Donald E. (7 December 2009). "Chalica, new weeklong UU holiday, slowly gains adherents". Retrieved 5 August 2015.
  2. "Celebrating Chalica". uua.org. Unitarian Universalist Association. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
  3. "Chalica – A time of reflection and renewal". UUBGKY.org. Unitarian Universalist Church of Bowling Green.
  4. Klink-Zeitz, Kathy. "Chalica.info: History". chalica.blogspot.com. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
  5. Richards, Michelle (6 December 2010). "Celebrating the winter holidays". Archived from the original on 2010-12-10. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
  6. "Some UU Traditions". brisbaneuu.org.au. Brisbane Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Home Page. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
  7. Amanda Gregory (December 2, 2013). "Another Winter Holiday!?". The Huffington Post. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
  8. Meredith Plummer (November 20, 2013) [2012]. "My Chalica Book: A Beginner's Guide" (PDF) (Second ed.). First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
  9. Van Leer, Lois E. (11 December 2014). "Chalica". wuuc.org. Woodville Unitarian Universalist Church. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
  10. Donald E. Skinner (December 7, 2009). "Chalica, new weeklong UU holiday, slowly gains adherents". Retrieved December 6, 2016.
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