Our Symbol: The Flaming Chalice
The flame within a chalice stands as a key emblem of the Unitarian Universalist faith. Many congregations light a flaming chalice during gatherings and worship, prominently displaying the chalice symbol.
Austrian artist Hans Deutsch first combined the chalice and flame as a Unitarian symbol while working with the Unitarian Service Committee in World War II. For Deutsch, the image symbolized sacrifice and love.
For Unitarian Universalists today, the flaming chalice represents hope, the sacred, the pursuit of truth, community warmth, the light of reason, and more.
During worship, we light a flaming chalice to foster a space for reflection, prayer, meditation, and singing.