Flower Communion is a ritual service common in Unitarian Universalism, though the specific practices vary from one congregation to another. It is usually held before summer, when some congregations recess from holding services.

History

Flower Communion was initiated by Norbert Capek , who was also the founder of the Unitarian Church in Czechoslovakia. He saw the need to unite the diverse congregants of his church, from varying Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish backgrounds, without alienating those who had left these traditions. For this reason he rejected the Eucharist. The Flower Communion instead borrows from the universal beauty of nature. The first Flower Communion was on June 4, 1923.

The Flower Communion was later adopted by the American Unitarian churches and their successor, the Unitarian Universalist congregations.

A sample Flower Communion

In the days before the service congregants will acquire flowers to be used in the service. When the service starts they bring the flowers to a central location such as a table or vase. After the recital of opening words and a hymn someone tells the history of the Flower Communion. The congregants will then walk up and take one of the flowers. This is typically followed by a hymn and closing words.

Symbolism

As with the flaming chalice there is no one orthodox interpretation of the Flower Communion. The beauty and diversity of flowers is seen as symbolic of the beauty and diversity of life.