March 19th is the feast day of Saint Joseph. The feast of Saint Joseph is especially celebrated in Italy. This day is also celebrated as Italy’s Father’s Day, not surprisingly as Joseph is the earthy father of Christ. On March 19th in Italy, there is no work, and everyone celebrates this day with a large feast.
What makes Italy celebrate this day so much more than the rest of the world?
There is a special reason for this, and it starts in Sicily. In the Middle Ages there was an unusually long drought which caused all the fields in Sicily to lose their crops and go barren. The people of Sicily had almost nothing to eat and survived mainly off of fava beans. Fava beans were used for livestock feed but because of their ability to grow in harsh conditions, the Sicilians were able to use them as food. During the drought, the people prayed to Saint Joseph, he sent them rain, and their fields flourished. As thanksgiving to Saint Joseph, it became a tradition to make an altar to him and put a variety of foods and decorations on it.
Fava Beans
One of the most important foods to have on the altar is fava beans. This is because, as mentioned above, it fed the Sicilian people during the drought. Often times there will be dried fava beans scattered all over the altar. Some Italians still carry around dried fava beans in the pockets for good luck.
Pastries and bread
There is always an assortment of different breads with dipping oils and pastries found on the alter. Italian fried donuts, called zeppole are a key pastry on this feast day. Zeppole di san Giuseppe (zeppole of Saint Joseph) is made particularly for the feast day. It is a larger version filled with cream.
Fruits and Vegetables
You will find many fruits and vegetables on the altar to represent the flourishing crops after the drought. You will also see a pineapple on the altar as it symbolizes hospitality.
Lilies and Images
Lilies are often used to symbolize purity and Saint Joseph. They are used to decorate the altar to honor Saint Joseph’s most chaste heart. On most altars you will also see an image or statue of Saint Joseph.
Prayer Intentions
Altars will have a place or box for people to put prayer intentions. The people who celebrate can write down their intentions to be prayed for.
Red and Gold
The altars are typically decorated with a little red and gold as it’s the colors used in Saint Joseph parades in Italy.
Altar
The altars are three tiers of white to represent the Trinity. Saint Joseph is put on the highest tier to honor him.
The altars vary in décor and food from family to family. However, even without an altar you can celebrate this feast day. Even though this feast day can fall on Lent, it is a solemnity in the Church. This means that everyone is exempt from their Lenten fasting on this day. So, make sure to honor and celebrate Saint Joseph this March 19th.
