The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1916-12-15

rTN and are regularly observed, not only
YAM on the large plantations but on the
; II smaller farms, and even in the negro
EJSx1 quarters So all get their full measure
zE-<s0 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 were put up and hard
ened on good, sound ear corn. Hog-kilng time
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 fanked by
baked ham two years old and sugar-cured. 1t
win all furnish mighty good eating for visitors
who drop in for 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 hog-killlng time
means to host and hostess. All through the coun-
tryside, from the humblest negro holding to the
largest river estate preparation for Christmas
begtns with hog-kilng 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 fol- the holidays.
That Christmas Gobber
Two weeks before Christmas, the turkey COB
bier (generally one of the years raisng) is singled
out from the flock, put up in Slated coop in the
back yard, fed shelled 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-tme kitchen by an old
Cine negro Kitchen queen" forms the piecede-
assistance for the big dinner. The Christmas
enn rejoices In roast turkey stuffed with oysters.
sread crumbs, etc. A sugarcured ham (from one
10 two years old), crisp celery, Irish and sweet
2otatoes (the latter candied), satisfy and spinach
Gall 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,
rosy-cheeked apples bananas and oranges. Wine
as 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
hoard Roquefort cheese and coffee end the feast.
This menu Is indicative of typical plantation
s&snner; others will be In proportion to the taste
end means of the diners, but It can be safely as
zerted that nowhere would guest a stranger
1t down to a 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
in the Virginia woods, is used. Mansion farm
house and cottage are all decorated. Mantels
halls and even bedrooms are witnesses to the sea-
son OF jollity Family portraits Of ancestors, now
!. lang laid al rest are honored with a 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 90 into breakfast After this
meal. the company viii separate. II Is possible
that some Of the party win 90 to the Colonial
church In the neIghborhood for morning service.
The ancient brick edifce win 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
emf. are taken to church for neghbors who live 81
distance; happy. inexpensive recollections OF the
season. bet appreciatvely indicative Of the mo
nsntous occasion. Back from church. home folks
and guests sve ready for dinner.
hunting Parties
The eat yirginians have ever shown penehani
far hunting. and chasing the tox behind good
.sct AZ hounds has always been sport par ex
elIenre rhls sport SIN exists In the country dis
ssres. ana n pte q wire fences now Amos