The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-12-22

Perhaps the first sign of Christmas
is the killing of the fat hogs which have taken
flesh rapidly since they were put up and hard
ened on good, sound Hog-killing time
means q generous supply of "fresh," in other
words sausage, sparerib, chine, cheese-souse, pigs
feet, and, of course, that fresh pork ham baked
during Christmas week This is thanked by
baked ham two years old and sugar-cured. 1t
will all furnish mighty good eating for visitors
who drop in for a little while, but have not time
to stay to the regular dinner.
Those who have spent years on tidewater Vir-
ginia, plantation know just what hogkilling time
means to host and hostess All through the coun-
tryside, from the humblest negro holding to the
largest river estate, preparation for Christmas
begins with hog-killing time for then the corn Is
gathered, the woodpile is ready, and farm work in
general is in such condition that all in pretty
good shape for the holidays.
That Christmas Gobber.
Two weeks before Christmas, the turkey COB
bier generally of the years raisng) is singled
out from the flock, put up In Slated coop in the
back yard, fed sheed corn till he is in proper
condition, killed the day before Christmas, hung
up the north side of the porch and next day,
when cooked in the old-time kitchen by an old
time negro Kitchen queen" forms the piece-de-
resistance for the big dinner The Christmas
rejoices in roast turkey stuffed with oysters
bread crumbs etc. A sugar-cured ham (from
to two years old), crisp celery, Irish and sweet
potatoes (the latter candied) satisfy and spinach
Gall grown in the home "gyardin,) macaroni,
and Of course, cranberry for the turkey.
The dessert consists of jelly (plenty of wine for
seasoning), blanc mango, both white and choco-
late, merngues, fruits, such Malaga grapes,
rosy-cheeked apples, bananas and oranges Wine
is served at table and toddy of whisky, sugar
and water, with dash Of nutmeg, will most likely
be taken by the gentlemen beforehand at the side
board. Roquefort cheese and coffee end the feast.
This menu Is indicative of typical plantation
dinner; others will be In proportion to the taste
and means of the diners, but 1t can be safely as
serted that nowhere would guest or stranger
sit down to meager feast on this day, for even
the negroes have prepared most literally for the
great occasion.
Christmas Decorations.
The good old custom of decorating the houses
for Christmas still obtains, and the generous
supply of holly, running cedar and pine, growing
I'm the Virginia woods, Is used. Mansion, farm
house and cottage are all decorated. Mantes.
halls, and bedrooms are witnesses to the sea-
of jollity. Family portraits of ancestors, now
dong laid Mt rest are honored with wreath of
green and the red berries Of the holly, Christmas
greeting from the stern canvas
What are the social customs that emphasize this
season in Tidewater, Virginia? On Christmas
morning glass of eggnog or toddy Is taken by the
gentlemen they go into breakfast. After this
meal, the company will separate 1t is possible
that some of the party will go to the Colonial
church in the neighborhood for morning service.
The ancient brick edifce Will always have been
decorated by loving hands for this season.
,Wreaths of evergreen intertwine walls, chancel
and pulpit.
. The morning service over, the congregation ex-
change Christmas greetings outside. Some pres
ents are taken to church for neghbors who live at
"a distance happy inexpensive recollections of the
season, but approximately indicative of the mo-
mentous occasion. Back from church, home folks
and guests are ready for dinner.
Hunting Parties.
The east vireinians have ever shown penchant
Tor hunting and chasing the fox behind good
pack of hounds has always been sport par ex-
cellence This sport still exists In the country dis
Itricts, and In spite Of wire fences, now almost