A long time ago and far away, there was a
drought and resulting famine on the island of Sicily. The people were desperate for sustenance. It was during the Middle Ages and there
was no Red Cross or United Nations rescue efforts. As they watched their crops
fail and their families starve, the people turned to prayer. The Patron Saint of Italy is St. Joseph
and it was through his intercession that they prayed for help.
When the heavens finally opened up and the rain
replenished the land the people were very thankful to their patron saint for
answered prayer. They built an
altar, adorned it with breads, fish and sweets and dedicated it to St. Joseph.
Thus began the tradition of St. Joseph altars in Sicily.
Now Italians and Christians around the world continue
the practice that recalls the devotion of the Sicilian people and their
gratitude for the end of the drought that almost destroyed their way of life.
Tradition has it that those who build a St.
Joseph’s Altar must beg for foods and supplies from neighbors and
businesses. The time and money
that go into building the altar are also considered sacrifices. After the tribute of gratitude the
leftover foods are distributed to the less fortunate.
The foods brought to the altar are also steeped
in symbolism. Many times candles
are lit in remembrance of loved ones who have passed away. There are variations on the theme from
place to place but there are some common characteristics of all St. Joseph
Altars. Almost every component of
the altar symbolizes some religious belief or story.
The altar is always constructed with three
levels of presentation. This
represents the Holy Trinity or the Holy Family. A statue or picture of St. Joseph is placed on the top
level. The altar is embellished with palms, breads, fish, sweets and wine. Since the feast takes place during
Lent, meats are not used. Red,
green and white are prevalent in the decorations since these are the colors of
the Italian flag. Italian recipes
prevail in the preparation of the items. The tables are arranged in a cross shape to symbolize
Christ’s death on the cross.
Altar breads are made in various religious
shapes such as crosses, chalices, and hearts. Since St. Joseph was a carpenter
there are often shapes that bring that profession to mind, such as a ladder or
hammer. Some of the altar breads
are dried, toasted with sugar and sprinkled atop spaghetti as part of the meal
that is consumed. The crumbs are
symbolic of St. Joseph’s sawdust. Some people save the crumbs and toss them
into a storm to prevent destruction.
Legend and tradition have it that visiting St.
Joseph altars is “lucky”. During the famine that struck Sicily in the Middle
Ages humans were reduced to eating fava beans, a food normally fed to the
animals. They felt they were lucky to have at least those beans to eat when
there was nothing else. A fava bean carried in one’s pocket is said to prevent
“going broke”. A fava bean placed
in a pantry is said to prevent one from ever going hungry. Traditionally each
person who visits a St. Joseph’s altar is given a bag with a fava bean, a
prayer card and some sort of cookie or pastry from the display that has been
blessed by a priest.
Steeped in tradition and prayer, the St.
Joseph’s Altar is a community celebration and when held in churches or
reception halls (as space permits) the public is invited. The act of sharing the food is one of
gratitude for the end of the famine those many years ago in Sicily, and for
continued blessings received today. The centuries old custom of creating St.
Joseph’s Day altars is a great showcase of Italian foods and a magnificent
gesture of charity and faith.
The pictures are from the Seventh Annual St.
Joseph’s Altar of 2012 at St. John the Baptist Church in Zachary,
Louisiana.
