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.[6] 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.[7][8] 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.[9] Activities on each day vary, and may include discussions, group activities, and songs.[10]
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]
^Van Leer, Lois E. (11 December 2014). "Chalica". wuuc.org. Woodville Unitarian Universalist Church. Archived from the original on 1 October 2015. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
^"Some UU Traditions". brisbaneuu.org.au. Brisbane Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Home Page. Archived from the original on 7 August 2015. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
^Amanda Gregory (December 2, 2013). "Another Winter Holiday!?". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
^Meredith Plummer (November 20, 2013) [2012]. "My Chalica Book: A Beginner's Guide"(PDF) (Second ed.). First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati. Archived(PDF) from the original on June 1, 2016. Retrieved December 6, 2016.