Flaming Chalice: Symbol of Unitarian Universalism
The flaming chalice, like our faith, stands open to receive new truths.
Our Symbol: The Flaming Chalice
Our congregation embraces various of this symbol. This design was created by our member Susan Gyaben. 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.
Hans Deutsch, an Austrian artist, first brought together the chalice and the flame as a Unitarian symbol during his work with the Unitarian Service Committee during World War II. To Deutsch, the image had connotations of 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.
The current official UUA logo debuted in 2014, offering a visual representation of a modern and dynamic faith. Unitarian Universalist congregations are free to use the UUA’s logo in their congregational work, but they are not required to do so. Because of this, you may see many different styles of flaming chalices and other images used by Unitarian Universalist congregations.
Learn More
- UUA Pamphlet: “The Flaming Chalice” by Dan Hotchkiss
- From Skinner House Books, “A Cup of Light: All About the Flaming Chalice“
- “The Wartime Origins of the Flaming Chalice,” from the UU World
- Chalice Art and UUA Logo
