A flame within a chalice (a cup with a stem and foot) is a primary symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition. Many of our congregations kindle a flaming chalice in gatherings and worships and feature the chalice symbol prominently.

The chalice and flame first came together as a Unitarian symbol during World War II. At the time, the Unitarian Service Committee was involved in helping refugees escape war-torn countries in Europe.  Since many had fled without the necessary papers to travel abroad, the USC decided to create its own travel documents.  The documents needed an official seal, and an Austrian refugee and artist named Hans Deutsch was asked to design one.  To Deutsch, the flaming chalice represented sacrifice and love.

To Unitarian Universalists today the flaming chalice is a symbol of hope, the sacred, the quest for truth, the warmth of community, the light of reason, and more.

We light a flaming chalice in worship to create a reverent space for reflection, prayer, meditation, and singing.