Holidays Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

Christianity Required? Christmas Parade With Mandatory Christian Pledge Ignites Outrage

October 31st, 2024

A small town Christmas parade made national news after parade participants were required to sign a Christian "statement of faith," which included anti-LGBTQ sentiment, just to participate in the Christmas festivities.

Political & Religious Controversy 61 Comments

What is Walpurgisnacht? The Story Behind the Creepy Pagan Witch Holiday

April 29th, 2024

Have you heard of Walpurgisnacht, the spooky, pagan European holiday that also doubles as a celebration of a Catholic saint who Christianized Germany? Walpurgisnacht is coming up soon, and we've got your primer.

Pagan & Wiccan 58 Comments

Pastor Criticized for Telling Kids "Santa is Fake, Jesus is Real"

December 1st, 2023

Most of us will be hanging the stockings by the fire with care, in hopes that Saint Nicholas will soon be there. But did you know there's a religious contingent that believes that telling kids about Santa is a sin?

Political & Religious Controversy 161 Comments

Macy's Thanksgiving Parade Contains "LGBTQ+ Propaganda," Group Warns

November 16th, 2023

One activist group warns that the inclusion of LGBTQ+ performers in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will expose children to the "LGBTQ agenda," and tens of thousands have signed a petition boycotting Macy's.

LGBTQ & Human Rights 167 Comments

What Is a Krathong? Thai Lantern Festival Explained

November 8th, 2022

Break out your lighters, the Thai Lantern Festival begins today! This two-day festival celebrating positivity and prosperity for the new year is tied to the lunar calendar and has a fascinating history to explore.

ULC Minister Training & Education 1 Comment

What Is the Day of the Dead and Why Is It Celebrated?

October 20th, 2022

The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday where the veil between our world and the spirit world ceases to exist, and revelers honor the dead with elaborate offerings called ofrendas.

Life and Death 8 Comments

What Is the Lantern Festival and How Did It Begin?

October 8th, 2022

The Lantern Festival is a Chinese holiday marking the conclusion of the Chinese New Year celebrations (also known as the Spring Festival). But what is the story behind this holiday, and how did it begin?

ULC Minister Training & Education 2 Comments

Notable Fall Celebrations Throughout the World

October 5th, 2022

Americans may think of Halloween and Thanksgiving when they think of fall celebrations, but there are many more fall ceremonies and holidays celebrated around the world.

Uncategorized Leave a Comment

The History of Oktoberfest (And Why It’s Not in October)

October 1st, 2022

Oktoberfest is famous worldwide as a festival packed full of lederhosen, cheer, and yes, lots and lots of beer. But what exactly is this festival, how is it celebrated, and why isn't it held in October?

ULC Minister Training & Education 8 Comments

How Different Faiths and Cultures Celebrate the Autumn Equinox

September 20th, 2022

Humanity has constructed many monuments to observe the sun's annual transit through the sky. The Autumn Equinox is a time to observe this change, though different faiths and cultures celebrate in their own ways.

ULC Minister Training & Education 16 Comments

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