The fact that the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations is a non-creedal body does not mean that UUs lack the chance to enjoy traditions. While congregational polity allows each of the member congregations and fellowships to pursue worship styles that have meaning in their communities, there are a few time-honored rites that are often included at some time during the worship year. One of the best examples is the flower communion.
This unique ritual was first developed in the nation of Czechoslovakia by Norbert Capek. In a nation where many of the converts to Unitarianism came from a wide range of Jewish and Christian backgrounds, the need to provide some sort of ceremony that would unify the membership became apparent. Rather than draw on rituals related to the previous affiliations of Unitarian members, Capek decided to incorporate something of nature into a rite that could involve everyone who wished to participate, while still leaving room for some individual interpretations of the symbolism behind the ritual.
By the early 1940’s, flower communion had been introduced to the churches in the American Unitarian Association and become a favorite with many congregations. While the communion was usually observed in the spring of the year, congregations were free to make use of the rite whenever they liked. After the merger of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America in 1961, flower communion became further entrenched in the hearts and worship of UUs throughout the new association. Today, the ceremony is among one of the most easily recognized in the entire denomination.
The process for observing flower communion varies. In some congregations, the service will begin with attendees bringing flowers from home and adding them to a large arrangement near the chancel or pulpit area. With this approach, the varied flowers symbolize the unique contributions of each person to the life of the congregation and in the lives of one another. At the end of the service, each participant receives a flower, indicating the sharing and acceptance of each other’s gifts, as well as the affirmation of the importance and worth of each person in the congregation.
Other ways to observe flower communion are found throughout the UUA. In some cases, the congregational leadership supplies the flowers, then passes them out to the congregation assembled, symbolizing the willingness of the leaders to serve the congregation, and the congregation’s acceptance of that leadership. The exact form and focus of the flower communion is often adapted to local circumstances, allowing the communion to serve as a means of connectedness among the local members and regular attendees.
Whatever the form and the intended meaning of the flower communion in the local congregation, it is not unusual for UUs to look forward to this event. For some, it is a time of reaffirmation to the fellowship and to the ideals they hold dear. For others, it is a time of reflection on what they have to offer as members of the local congregation. Still others may look upon this time as a reminder of how the varied gifts and talents in the congregation help to enrich their lives. In all its many variations, there is no doubt that the flower communion is a significant part of the UU tradition, and will continue to be so for many years to come.