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Religious Holidays Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

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. Continue Reading »

Posted in: ULC Minister Training & Education | 15 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? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Progressive Spirituality | 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. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Pagan & Wiccan, ULC Minister Training & Education | 54 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. Continue Reading »

Posted in: 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? Continue Reading »

Posted in: 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. Continue Reading »

Posted in: 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. Continue Reading »

Posted in: 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. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Pagan & Wiccan | 98 Comments »

Secret History of the Easter Bunny: What They Don't Teach You in School

March 26th, 2021

On Easter Sunday, millions of children worldwide will hunt for eggs hidden by the Easter bunny. But why do we hunt for eggs on Easter? Why is a bunny associated with the resurrection of Jesus? There's a lot to uncover. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Christian | 46 Comments »

Even During Pandemic, the War on Christmas Continues

December 18th, 2020

We're all familiar with the War on Christmas, but this year it's receiving a very 2020 twist: COVID-19. The international pandemic is opening up a whole new front on everyone's favorite seasonal skirmish. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 83 Comments »