Our Symbol: The Flaming Chalice
Pocatello Unitarian Universalist Fellowship created this stylized moon chalice as part of our congregation banner. The moon and stars represent our clear western skies over mountains and streams and our respect for the land we inhabit.
The flame and chalice represents putting our faith into action with courage, compassion, and love.
A flame within a chalice 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.
Find out more about the UUA Chalice.