Religious Holidays Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

The Secret Religious History of Fireworks

July 2nd, 2024

Will you be joining millions of Americans in lighting off fireworks this 4th of July? If so, did you know you’re actually participating in a centuries-old religious tradition? Let's unpack some history.

ULC Minister Training & Education 22 Comments

As Hanukkah Begins, Some Jews Call for a Ceasefire

December 8th, 2023

Hundreds of Jewish people gathered at Columbus Circle in Manhattan for a traditional holiday candle lighting – but also to advocate for peace in Gaza. They lit a nine-foot tall menorah that read “ceasefire”.

Political & Religious Controversy 50 Comments

What Is Ramadan and How Is It Celebrated?

March 23rd, 2023

Ramadan is currently being celebrated by the world's nearly two billion Muslims. It is a monthlong spiritual celebration of Muslim values, and is observed by fasting from food and drink sunup to sundown.

ULC Minister Training & Education 58 Comments

Are the Holidays Going “Woke” or Getting More Inclusive?

December 19th, 2022

From a Black Santa Claus to a commercialized Target version of Hanukkah, the holidays look a bit different this year. Are these efforts to boost representation “woke” pandering, or simply a step toward inclusivity?

Political & Religious Controversy 79 Comments

The Secret Religious History of Thanksgiving

November 22nd, 2022

Did you know Thanksgiving is a religious holiday? This is the story of pagan harvest festivals, how the Christian Church coopted these holidays as their own, and how the symbolic evidence survives to this day.

Pagan & Wiccan 93 Comments

What Is a Krathong? Thai Lantern Festival Explained

November 8th, 2022

Break out your lighters, the Thai Lantern Festival begins today! This two-day festival celebrating positivity and prosperity for the new year is tied to the lunar calendar and has a fascinating history to explore.

ULC Minister Training & Education 1 Comment

What Is the Lantern Festival and How Did It Begin?

October 8th, 2022

The Lantern Festival is a Chinese holiday marking the conclusion of the Chinese New Year celebrations (also known as the Spring Festival). But what is the story behind this holiday, and how did it begin?

ULC Minister Training & Education 2 Comments

Notable Fall Celebrations Throughout the World

October 5th, 2022

Americans may think of Halloween and Thanksgiving when they think of fall celebrations, but there are many more fall ceremonies and holidays celebrated around the world.

Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Understanding the Moon Festival

September 1st, 2022

The Moon Festival, which is celebrated in many Asian countries, is an iconic and incredibly popular autumn festival. Sweet or savory mooncakes are baked and gifted in celebration of family and friends.

Uncategorized 2 Comments

Yule Want to Read This: The Pagan Origins of Christmas

December 9th, 2021

How does ritual bloodletting and sacrifice turn into eating honey baked ham? What does snogging under the mistletoe have to do with Jesus’s birth? This is the story of how Yule merged with Christmas.

Pagan & Wiccan 98 Comments

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