Samhain (‘Sauin’), meaning “End of Summer,” is a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, or the “darker-half” of the year. Samhain celebrates the thinning of the veil between our world and the dead. Traditionally, those who celebrate Samhain welcome those spirits that are crossing into our world, as well as sending off lost souls into peace. Today, we will explore the origins of this Pagan festival and how it is expressed in modern traditions.
Avery Burrows was born in Long Beach in 1951 and grew up in Seal Beach & Long Beach. He has traveled considerably, is a student of earth-based traditions, and is deeply involved in social justice issues. He has been a long-time member of UUCR and volunteers his time as our groundskeeper, working with the homeless, maintaining our community garden & in any capacity where he can assist.
Avery has been a member of our Social Social & Environmental Justice Committee for over 10 years. Over the years he has chaired our Maintenance Committee and Social Events Committee, and served as secretary of the Green Sanctuary Committee. He is honored to serve on the Board of Trustees as a General Member.