St. Joseph And Popular Customs
The oddest popular custom involving St. Joseph is the practice of burying his statue upside down on real estate one hopes to sell. St. Joseph is being challenged to answer quickly so "he" won't stay standing on his head in the dirt. It's the survival of a medieval superstition known as "degradation of the saints," in which images were insulted until their tormentors' requests were granted.
Far more appealing — and less problematic — is the St. Joseph's Table (the tavola or cena di San Guiseppe). This Sicilian and southern Italian custom has emigrated to the United States and is starting to filter out beyond the old ethnic parishes. Originally the cena was a public festival held in the town square. There, a trio representing the Holy Family dined at a heavily laden central table, sharing their bounty with the poor. The day closed with bonfires and dancing. Public festivities continue here and abroad, although in America they may take the form of potlucks at the parish hall.
Italians everywhere also like to celebrate at home among family and friends. In fulfillment of vows, they erect home altars as thanksgiving for favors received from St. Joseph. These elaborate structures, built on three levels to honor the Holy Family and the Holy Trinity, are decked with greenery, flowers, fruit, and fantastic bread sculptures.
Priests bless them before festivities begin. Visitors are invited in to admire the altars and partake of the sometimes extravagant hospitality, which can include scores of different dishes, featuring special fried pastries. After donating money for the poor, guests take away mementos — fava beans for prosperity and bits of ceremonial bread as protection from storm or sudden death. S.M.
Sandra Miesel, a medievalist and a Catholic journalist, writes from Indianapolis.
© 2002 Morley Publishing Group, Inc.
