Día de los Muertos, or The Day of the Dead, observed on November 1^st and 2^nd every year, is a festival that celebrates the reunion of the dead with living family members.  While it's hard for Americans to associate celebration with death, for most Mexicans, the two are inseparable. The original inhabitants of Mexico believed that the souls of the dead returned each year to visit with their living relatives - to eat, drink and be merry. Just like they did when they were living.

    In American culture, there is All Hallows Day (later known as All Saints Day), a day to remember the lives of martyrs and saints.  This day was established by Pope Gregory III in the 8^th century.  The tradition of trick-or-treating likely started in the ninth century when people went from house-to-house on All Saints Day begging for food in exchange for their prayers for a homeowner’s deceased ancestors on All Souls Day. It wasn’t until the twentieth century that trick-or-treating became part of the Halloween celebration in North America.

    This year, Día de los Muertos holds special meaning for North County High School.  Last winter, Mallory Jo Hicks was killed in a car wreck.  The Spanish classes have developed a display in the 600 hall in honor of Mallory whose spirit will always be a part of our celebrations.  Mallory, we all know that you are with the saints.