The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1916-12-16

E-SASl on the large plantations, but on IN"
3 smaller farms. and even in the negro
ES. quarters. So all get their full measure
Z2s0 of gifts and turkey.
Perhaps the first sign Of Christmas
is the killing of the fat hogs which have taken
on flesh rapidly since they We're put up ana hard
ened on good. sound corn. Hog-kllllng uhle
means a 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 hanked 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 tdeWater Viz
ginia, plantation know just what hoG-killinS time
means to host and hostess. All through the coun-
trysde from the humbest 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 are in pretty
good shape for the holidays.
That Christmas GobbIer.
Two weeks before Christmas, the turkey COB
bier generally of the years rasing) is singled
out from the flock put up in a Slated coop in the
back yard, fed on shelled corn till he is in proper
condition, killed the day before Christmas. hung
up on the north side of the porch and next day,
when cooked in the Old-time kitchen by an old
time negro Kitchen queen, lOTluS lue pleceue-
resistance for the big dinner. The Christmas
rejoices in roast turkey stuffed with oysters,
bread crumbs, etc. sugarcured ham (frOm
to two years old, crisp celery, Irish and sweet
potatoes (the latter Canded), satisfy and spinach
tall grown in the home "gyardin,"O macaroni
and Of course, cranberry sauce for the turkey.
The dessert consists of jelly (plenty of wine for
seasOning). blanc mango, both white and chOco-
late, meringues, fruits, such Malaga grapes
pkpI
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 it can be safely as
serted that nowhere would guest stranger
sit down to a meager feast 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
In the Virginia woods is used. Mansion, farm
house and cottage are all decorated Mantels,
halls, and bedrooms are witnesses to the sea
son of jOlity. Family portraits of ancestors, now
long laid at 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 as 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 edfce will always have been
decorated by loving hands for this season
wreaths of evergreen intertwine on walls. chancel
and pulpit.
The morning service over, the congregation ex
change Christmas greetings outside. Some pres
ents are taken church for neighbOrs who live at
4 distance; happy. inexpensive recOections Of the
reason but approximately indicative of the mo-
nentous occasion. Back from church, home folks
and guests are ready for dinner
Hunting Parties.
The east vlrginiaDs have ever shown pcnchant
or huntInz and chasing the fox behind good
,aes Of hounds has always been sport par OK
.slence This sport still exists In the country dis
sricts and IN SPITE of wire fences. now nlfnoS