Worship

The Seven Days of Unity

Sheila Shuh, DRE
May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society
Syracuse, NY

What is it?
This seven-day festival of lights is a celebration of the seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism and the Sources of our living tradition. Each day is marked by the lighting of a flame from our chalice that corresponds to each Principle. The specific calendar dates bear significant meaning in our community and world. Unity is celebrated in the underlying state of connectedness when we live out our Principles in our relationships with ourselves, with each other, and with the earth/universe. It is discovered as we gain wisdom from our six sources. It is this that gives hope and "light" to the world.

How did it begin?
The celebration began over 3 years ago, when I wanted something for my family that was an explicit expression of the basic principles of Unitarian Universalism, which could also include and enrich the religious observances of my past. As with any tradition, it is evolving and is meant to! It is not meant to be a celebration of other traditions' holy days. Rather, it is a way to express a relationship to and valuing of the richness of the sources of wisdom that have brought light to the world for centuries.

When is it?
The dates of the seven days are meant to be somewhat flexible in that a community or family or individual may alter them as to their unique needs. They also will naturally vary according to the religious observances of other faiths that do not follow the same calendar.

Who is it for?
It is for people of any age who feel a need to celebrate our Principles and Sources in a way that can incorporate their own religious traditions. Many families especially want their children to have a holiday tradition that uniquely expresses Unitarian Universalism, providing a way to also acknowledge religious traditions of other faiths and of their family.

Structure
The circle is a symbol used by cultures throughout history to represent the great oneness of all life that is the cycle of birth and death, the cycle of seasons, as well as the self, the family, the community. The focal point for the celebrations is the chalice at the center of seven candles or vessels of light in a circle, each representing one principle. In each of the seven descriptions that follow, you will find a suggestion of the kind of candle or vessel to use for that day…be fun and creative!
For filling in spaces on the circle, choose something that symbolizes life as sacred and enduring through the death and darkness of winter- the principles standing within as a means of affirming life and wholeness in relationships. It may be evergreens that form a wreath, but it also may be ivy, green ribbons, fruits, gourds, etc. Pictures or symbols or things that have been life-giving in the last year may even be tucked in. Each day is marked by the lighting of a flame on the circle from the chalice at the center. Candles or vessels are arranged so that they are in order of the Seven Days around the circle. The flames are rekindled each day; the first will be lit in addition to the ones that follow.
You can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish in addition to the chalice and candle lightings, both for in-home services or for worship in your faith community. Choices include: responsive affirmation of the Principles, songs, storytelling or reading, body meditation, ritual, prayers, a time of witness, games, and activities.

FIRST DAY OF UNITY
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
Sunday, December 1st,2002: During Hanukkah

Date: Celebrates religious freedom and identity
Candle: Oil burning vessel
Ritual: Labyrinth circle
Witness: Statement of questions
Body Meditation: Living the questions
Readings: Hanukkah story, credos of UUs, The Three Questions
Hymn: Come, Come, Whoever you are; Light One Candle
Activities: Treasure Hunt, Question Box

SECOND DAY OF UNITY
Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations
Sunday, December 8, 2002: Bodhi Day

Date: Celebrates awakening to compassion for all beings
Candle: Red
Ritual: Anointing the eyes, heart, hands, feet.
Witness: Sharing of joys and sorrows; Walking the road
Body Meditation: Body of love and kindness
Readings: from Buddhism, the Golden Rule in all Religions, The Good Samaritan
Hymn: Love Will Guide Us
Activities: Walking in another's shoes for a day; local gift giving/service

THIRD DAY OF UNITY
Goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
Monday, December 9, 2002: Eve of International Human Rights Day

Date: Declares human rights world-wide
Candle: Earth (water vessel with floating candle)
Body Meditation: Stand with color of solidarity during story
Ritual: Decorate peace tree w/ symbols of human rights
Witness: Stand for the acts one has done
Hymn: We Got the Whole World; One More Step
Reading: The Declaration of Human Rights (child version); "I'm Tipingee, She's Tipingee, We're Tipingee, Too" (Haitian justice tale)Activities: Letters to political leaders, Family Pledge of Non-Violence, International meal, Donate/ Work for local human rights

FOURTH DAY OF UNITY
Right of conscience and use of democratic process
Sunday, December 15, 2002: Music SundayDate: Celebrates voice and harmony
Candle: Purple
Ritual: Voice/ Water communion
Body Mediation: Waters from the well; ocean drum
Witness: Voting during story
Reading: Moral tale: Crossing the Dessert
Hymn: Voice Still and Small
Activities: Time of silence; Setting priorities; Review decisions of the year.

FIFTH DAY OF UNITY
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
Saturday, December 21, 2002: Winter Solstice/ Yule

Date: Celebrates the return of light/ seasonal change
Candle: Natural/beeswax
Ritual: Human web of life (everyone has dressed up!)
Body Meditation: Darkness of creation
Hymn: Under the Sky, For the Beauty of the Earth
Reading: In the Night, Still Dark; Pueblo Prayer for Winter
Activity: Deepen earth commitments; Decorate outdoor trees for animals
Flashlight tag; star watch; connections game

SIXTH DAY OF UNITY
The inherent worth and dignity of every person
Tuesday, December 24, 2002: Christmas Eve

Date: Celebrates every birth as sacred and how one can change the world
Candle: White
Ritual: Baby picture communion; candle lighting
Body Meditation: Standing - The Prayer for Children
Readings: Christmas in the Stable; On the Day You Were Born
Hymn: carol, Sleep My Child, This Little Light of Mine
Activities: Gift-giving; greeting cards; service for children

SEVENTH DAY OF UNITY
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth
Sunday, December 29, 2002: During Kwanzaa

Date: Celebrates unity and diversity
Candle: Multi-colored
Ritual: Bread or fabric communion
Body Meditation: Buddhist smiling meditation (for self-acceptance)
Witness: Story exchange; Forgiveness Affirmation
Reading: The Rag Coat; Litany of Healing; The Pomegranate; African-American tale
Hymn: Spiritual, De Colores, From You I Receive
Activities: Sharing stories about ancestors; meals/games of ethnic heritage; social action for / education about oppressed group