The pig slaughter was regarded as a family celebration.  The butcher was the farmer himself whose customers were guests from the surrounding area and he was famously known.  Wursts, salami, ham, etc. left nothing remaining to be desired in perfect preparations and durability.  The lard, the soap, etc. praise the competence of the steadily assisting women at the slaughter.  The "Quellfleisch" (meat) was served up in the morning hours and replaced the midday meal.  In the afternoon the worst was prepared and the know-it-all children, who about this time have had "Krachdärm" (growling stomachs) which have growled all along. - the "Wärschtcher" presumed, this appeared so, that the butcher could not drive anything from one ear to the other of the suspicious youth with his fat finger.  The "Metzelsupp" (bloody soup) is a "Kapitel" (asset) for you.  The worst of his goods were examined and these did not turn out so well, so the butcher could take along the worst.  Then came the rosy doughnuts newly baked in lard.  Meanwhile the atmosphere kept getting cheerier.  Throughout the day the many greasy things were washed down with grape juice.  Not infrequently the "Metzel" soup was put into the "Hävler".  These were disguised with soot and chalk painted shapes. - Acquaintances and farmhands from near and far who had fine noses and with their vessels, "Tepsen und Topsen" (pots and pans) they made such a big racket to no small fright of the children.  With disguised voices they say their verses here, with which they receive an ample portion of the rest of the "Metzel" soup.  One familiar verse of the "Häwler" read:

    "Häwle, häwle, Wurscht, Wurscht, Wurscht,

    Ich habt gehört, ihr habt geschlagt

    Und habt so gute Werscht gemacht

    Gebt mer net so klaner

    Liewer zwa far aner."

          The verses are also often funny and not infrequently jokingly take on one or other corny character weakness of the caretakers.  Much ado is quickly made of it and they go through all the trouble to protect their identity. - After the evening meal a card game follows, or an accordion (Uf un' zu) is available for a real cheerful dance.