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Notes
The Feast Day of Saint Joseph dates back to the middle ages. The first known festivities took place in Sicily. Apparently, during a long and severe drought, farmers prayed to St. Joseph and asked for his help, promising that if rain came they would prepare a big banquet in his honor. When rain materialized, the farmers immediately had a feast to celebrate the Saint's intervention. From that day on it became the custom for devotees of Saint Joseph to set up huge banquet tables on his Feast Day (March 19th) and invite the needy to help themselves. Nowadays, special foods, flowers and religious artifacts adorn these banquet tables which are often referred to as "St.Joseph's Altars" (or St. Joseph's Tables). For the "St. Joseph's Altar" the food must be laid out on steps -- one for each member of the Holy Trinity. Skits are also performed on this day. Some guests dress up as Mary, Joseph and Jesus, and some children dress up as angels. Prior to World War II, the St. Joseph's Altars, on which the specially-prepared foods were laid out on, were prepared especially for the needy, but this is no longer the case. Nowadays everyone who has contributed to the communal feast is welcomed to share in the traditional foods. In a number of villages the bread made for these celebrations is made in the shape of a "scepter" or a "beard." While Sicilians are world-renowned for their devotion to Jesus' stepfather, other areas in the South also show their love for this saint on his feast day. According to tradition 13 meatless dishes are served -- they include pasta, rice, fish, various vegetables and sweets (Cheese is Not included, even the pasta dishes are not topped with Parmesan, but rather breadcrumbs are used). The reason the dishes are "meatless" is simple -- Saint Joseph's feast day always occurs during Lent and as Lent is a time of repentance meat is considered too extravagant and pleasurable for it to be part of the festivities. Nonetheless, the Feast Day of Saint Joseph breaks up the dreariness of Lent. Many special desserts are made on this Feast Day, the most famous of which are "zeppole" and "scrapelle." Even though fewer and fewer Italians prepare "St. Joseph Altars" (or Tables) or go to Mass and follow in processions most still mark the occasion with family and friends. Most people in Italy and North America celebrate this feast day on the week-end closest to March 19th (They would not have the time to do it on a week day as it requires a great deal of planning etc.). In some regions of Italy people wear red clothing on Saint Joseph's feast day. This saint is much loved throughout the land (especially in the South) as he is seen as the protector of homes and private property. In North America "Father's Day" is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday in June, but in Italy, it is celebrated on March 19th, the Feast Day of Saint Joseph as he is considered a model father.... |
