It is easy to forget living in the West that New Year’s does not happen at the same time for everyone. Different cultures and religions celebrate the New Year on different dates than January 1. Interfaith ministers of the Universal Life Church can better serv…
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Yule is the pagan celebration of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year
A festival around the time of the winter solstice seems to have been a common celebration among many ancient peoples. Often, these midwinter celebrations focused on feasting, offerin…
Twinkling lights and candles make Hanukkah celebrations beautiful sights to behold
Hanukkah presents a fantastic opportunity for an interfaith minister to integrate themes of hope and steadfast faith into the studies they share with their congregation. One need not…
Meditation can be a healthy way to reflect on life and personal goals, as well as relieve stress
December is a month of holidays. Christmas, Chanukah, Ramadan and Kwanzaa all populate the month of December. However, another holiday that few understand also calls De…
Each of these four candles symbolizes an aspect of Advent, with the final white candle added at the end to represent Jesus Christ
Advent is the beginning of the Christian liturgical year and encompasses the four Sundays before Christmas. It is a season of preparati…
For the ceremony, you will need a chuppah (canopy), wine, and a glass to break
For an interfaith minister, coming across individuals from many different religious backgrounds who are seeking your services is not at all uncommon. The Universal Life Church espouses t…
The fasting lasts until Christmas, when East-Orthodox Christians celebrate with a feast
The East-Orthodox Fast of the Nativity, sometimes called the Phillipian Fast, focuses on preparing the body, mind and spirit for the birth of Christ. The fast begins on November…
The Islamic New Year, commonly referred to as Al-Hijra or Muharram is a great time for an interfaith minister to share the enriching traditions of this annual observance with church members.
The emergence the new moon ushers in the Islamic New Year. The Universal L…
It is customary to burn candles for the Festival of Light
Diwali is an ancient religious ceremonial holiday celebrated across a multitude of faith. It is also referred to as Devali and Deepavali in certain countries. Diwali signifies a festival of lights and takes …
Skulls are decorated with bright colors to celebrate the lives and deaths of those who've come before
Dia De Los Muertos is a holiday that has its roots both in Christianity and in indigenous traditions. Like the Catholic All Saints Day, which is celebrated at …