March 19 is St. Joseph’s Day. According to tradition, there was a famine in Sicily, Italy. For relief, the residents prayed to their patron saint, St. Joseph. The hardship ended with rain for the crops.
To celebrate, a feast was prepared and enjoyed by all.
Today, St. Joseph’s Day traditions include preparing an altar with a statute of St. Joseph, lilies, candles and special foods. Dark yellow, brown and green are colors associated with St. Joseph’s Day; however in the United States red is often used. That is to contrast St. Joseph’s Day with St. Patrick’s Day.
Traditionally, the meal is meatless. Pastas, bread, bean dishes, and almond cookies are among the traditional foods. St. Joseph was a carpenter, so to represent sawdust, bread crumbs are often used in the
foods. All are welcome to come and share in the meal. Those grateful for their blessings often bring donations of food or money for the Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive.
The Winery at Marjim Manor will be hosting a St. Joseph’s Table on Saturday, March 19 from Noon until 4 PM. For over 60 years, the Manor was the summer home for the Sisters of St. Joseph. For more information, call 716-778-7001.
