While almost the rest of the world was busy drinking a little too much at the bars all weekend for St. Patrick's Day, Southern Italians are busy prepping for St. Joseph's Day on the 19th every year. Like many things celebrated by Italian Americans, the meaning may now be lost but the tradition of celebration remains simply due to heritage. I think it is important to understand not only that things should be done but why we do them though.
St. Joseph's Day has been celebrated by Italians since the Middle Ages. There was a major drought in Southern Italy and Sicily. They prayed to St. Joseph for rain and the rain came saving the fava bean crop while other crops failed which kept them from starvation. As they prayed they said that if they were to be spared then they would celebrate a feast in the Saint's name every year to remember the miracle. Depending on the region of Italy one is from they may celebrate a little differently but it is always a Lentin meal.
There are also always a few elements in every St. Joseph's Day display that are a must. Lilies are always present as are doves. Before Joseph was with Mary, he was suitor for the Blessed Mother and like every other suitor in the village he left a wooden staff to show his intentions outside her door. In the morning the staff left by Joseph had blossomed from the top into beautiful while lilies and doves flew from the staff. Mary knew he was the suitor to choose due to this and ever since we have associated these symbols with Joseph. Joseph also was a carpenter so wood is another essential element and just as the Irish have their St. Pat's green, it is red that is associated with St. Joseph.
Many Italian families go much more out than I did this year but I tried to include all the elements into my dinner table. I used a red sash down the middle of the table with red chargers and large white plates under my antique Fire King plates. I used leopard silverware wrapped in a plaid napkin.
My grandfather on my mom's side was "Grandpa Joe" and he always held St. Joseph's Day dear. I chose the Fire King dishes because this light mint green was his favorite color. I think the mix of red, white and green gave an added Italian flair as well. I chose the leopard silverware because of my late grandfather as well. The first Christmas I ever had on my own I didn't have enough matching silverware so I cleverly camouflaged this fact by wrapping the place settings in cloth napkins so you wouldn't know until you went to use the utensils.... never one to not notice things, he unwrapped his napkin to find a leopard place setting (different from the other guests) and demand to know if that won him a prize.
In the center of the table I made a centerpiece on a Fire King platter for easy removal when needed. I placed a vase full of white lilies surrounded by a set of wooden rosaries and a small St. Joseph statue. On either side of this I sat a set of white doves. Comment below, what ethnic traditions does your family celebrate that may not be mainstream?
