Cherokee Phoenix

CHOCTAWS

Published December, 29, 1828

Page 3 Column 2a

CHOCTAWS

When a Choctaw dies, his friends set up a number of poles around the grave, on which they hang hoops wreaths, 'c. for the spirit to ascend upon. Around these poles the survivors of the family gather each day, at sunrise, noon, and sunset, and there prostrating themselves, and uttering convulsive cries, mourn for the deceased., This is continued during 30 or 40 days: then all the neighboring people assemble, the poles are pulled up, and the mourning is ended with feasting, drinking and great disorder.

Mis IIer