Do You Know What a Pounding Is?

Well, I learned something new at church today.  When we got to church this morning I noticed food items in some boxes in the foyer.  I thought to myself, "how nice, they have a food pantry."  After church I learned that those items were for us.  The church had a "pounding" for us today.  I had never heard of this custom, thought it might be a Rock Mills things, came home and researched it and found out that it actually dates back to the Quakers.  How cool is that?  So I just had to share this something new I have learned. I had no idea what it meant, “A Pounding?”  My mind immediately went to fist fighting. I was not sure if it is a mountain culture thing or a southern thing or old church thing? But I learned it is definitely a HOSPITALITY thing and a wonderful one that at.   In all the research I did on the subject I discovered that they are quite popular for newlyweds and as bridal type showers.  I remembered back to my young married days and we were broke as haints.  On my first grocery trip I spent a grand total of 50.00 for a family of four for a week.  I was shocked at spending that amount of money.  Ronnies mom took me grocery shopping the next week and bought us meat.  SHE spent 100.00 on JUST MEAT!  We could have used a good old fashioned pounding back then...that is for sure.  Anyways, I thought you would be interested in this (if you did not already know, I didn't). I even found directions on how to give an Old Fashioned Pounding as a party.
1. Giving a pounding is an old-fashioned way to help someone by stocking their pantry with non-perishables foods or cleaning supplies. Usually a pounding is given to a bride and groom or family who just built a new home. The pounding can be mentioned on the invitation for the bridal shower or housewarming party.  Or, in a small community...just a few phone calls/emails will do it.
2. Mention the pounding on the invitations to the bridal shower or housewarming party. It could read, “We are going to bless Karen and Brother Frank with an old fashioned pounding. In addition to your shower/housewarming gift, please bring a non-perishable food item or cleaning supply from your own home. Contact hostess if you have any questions.” List any food/cleanser allergies here.  We did not get gifts of stuff...but we got a trunk load of food.  In the bags there were fresh corn, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, as well as staple goods.  It was so exciting.
3. Prepare to have people ask you what a pounding is. In addition to describing what a pounding is, remind them that they don’t need to buy anything else, but just to give something they have extra. For instance, if they have 3 cans of green beans, they can give 1 can.  The original Quaker term came from....giving a pound...a pound of corn, a pound of meal, oats, etc.  Kind of catchy term....and real original don't you think? Now if you are really having a party...for say a new bride...you might do some major decorating.  This stuff was just waiting on us in the foyer.  Rock Mills UMC has been so kind to us.  This was AWESOME!
4. When setting up for the party, decorate grocery bags or boxes with leftover party decorations. Set the bags or boxes in a place that is convenient for the guests. Under the gift table is generally not a good idea, as the grocery bags or boxes can get in the way.
5. After the guest of honor has opened the other gifts, announce that they are being blessed with one more gift. Point out the groceries and explain that they are being pounded.
In the movie "Cross Creek," based on the life of writer Margery Rawlings ("The Yearling"), there was a reference to a "pound party." The guests each brought a pound of some food item. (I do recall this! I believe she brought a pound cake)  The origin of the term "food pounding" usually describes when a pastor is given food from the congregation.  When I did my research I found it under "pounding." It's like a gift "shower" or party. Also called "pound party." It is very common in eastern Alabama and western Georgia...and guess where Rock Mills is?  You've got it....it is 5 miles from the Georgia line...about as east as you can get. "The custom of sending to the minister's home groceries, preserves, etc., each participant being suppose to give a pound."  I like this custom.  We have now been here about a week and a half and the community has been so kind and loving.  I think I am going to like it here.  BTW...I sang in the choir today.  It was fun and has been a long time since I sang from a choir loft.  I loved every moment of it!