Cherokee Phoenix
Vol. I No. 42
Wednesday, December 29, 1828
Pg. 3 Col. 2b

 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. Her.

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