Family Decoration Day
By Steve Tweed
A long standing Appalachian Tradition is “Decoration Day”.
It is similar to Mexico’s “Dia de los Nuertos” or “Day of the Dead”.
Decoration Day is the gathering of family and friends to honor and remember loved ones who have passed on to the other side.
Most Decoration Days are held at the Patriarch & Matriarchs home. There is always a covered dish dinner and much cooking.
Years ago, this was any family’s biggest holiday of the year, next to Christmas.
Afterwards a trip to the family cemetery takes place, where graves are decorated with flowers, as well as American & Confederate flags for deceased veterans.
There are always hilarious stories & sad family lore and jokes. Many laughs and tears are shared.
Our family Decoration Day is always the third Sunday in August, each year.
These photos were taken in northern Madison County, North Carolina, at the home of my late grandparents, Ted & Lula Davis Tweed. They also show our family cemetery and a Decoration Day from the late 1940’s-Early 1950’s..
Y’all are more than welcome to come visit us this year!
