About IllUUminations

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Have you ever observed the creation of a holiday?  On December 17, 2000  the Unitarian Universalist Church of Little Rock celebrated illUUmination, a holiday started here in Little Rock in 1994.  The holiday, which celebrates the Unitarian Universalist chalice, was conceived within one of our member families in response to their children's desire to celebrate not only the special days of other faiths, but of their own.  

The chalice, used in worship by many Unitarian Universalist congregations, symbolizes sharing, generosity, sustenance and love; its flame, our freedom to search for truth and meaning and our belief in the inherent worth of each person.  Other Unitarian Universalist congregations across the country have taken up the celebration. 

Celebrated during the winter season, at a time of the year when many great religious traditions mark the change of seasons, the nascent observance already has its own traditions, symbols, music and characters.  Traditionally, a savory potluck Feast, followed by entertainment, Sufi dancing and storytelling, takes place one Saturday night in December.  On Sunday morning the celebrants return for an illUUmination Worship Service. Celebrants dress in the traditional (seven-year-old tradition) holiday colors of purple and silver and decorations carry out the color theme.  Each family brings the family chalice to decorate the feast tables.  The 2000 celebration was celebrated on Sunday, December 17th because the ice storms prevented evening celebration.

The spiritual, "This Little Light of Mine," has become an anthem of sorts for illUUmination.  During the song, we "pass the flame" by touching fingers.  Recently Sufi dancing following the feast has become an illUUmination tradition. IllUUmination characters include Ed, barely an angel, and the illUUminators.  

This year an illUUmination tree, designed and built by a member of the congregation and topped with a chalice, will grace the celebrations.  The feast for 2000 also included the world premier of a operetta, commissioned for the occasion, performed by UUCLR's folk group, Stay Tuned.