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Religious Holidays Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

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 | 32 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 »

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 | 89 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 »

Fired Evangelical Postal Worker Sues USPS Over Requirement He Work Sundays

February 21st, 2020

An evangelical postal worker is suing USPS after he was fired, citing religious persecution. He claims that he should be able to take every Sunday off as a holy day of rest, despite USPS's no-exceptions Sunday policy. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 53 Comments »

The Curious History of All Hallows' Eve and Its Cousin, Samhain

October 18th, 2019

It’s October, which means that almost anywhere you go, you’ll see signs of Halloween. It’s impossible to miss the festivities which culminate on October 31st. But why do we celebrate this holiday in the first place? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Pagan & Wiccan, Progressive Spirituality | 109 Comments »

The Greatest Story Ever Sold - How Materialism Became a Religion

December 5th, 2016

Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, Winter Solstice, Yule, Pancha Ganapti, etc etc. December brings with it a host of traditional holidays across the religious spectrum. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 64 Comments »

Are We Too Focused on Gift Giving on Christmas?

December 30th, 2015

When it comes to Christmas, what is the first thing you think of? Perhaps it is opening gifts on Christmas day? Or taking your children to see Santa? Are we actually forgetting the reason for the season? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Christian | 29 Comments »