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The Signature
St. Joseph’s Tables Celebrate A Beloved Saint By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
ave you ever wondered why so many Italians are H named Giuseppe? A very popular saint in Italy, San Giuseppe (Saint Joseph) was a carpenter, the foster father
One of the most fascinating Saint Joseph’s traditions in Western Sicily takes place in Salemi, a town located in the province of Trapani. Here, devotion to San Giuseppe of Jesus, and the husband of the Holy Mary, and he is now takes the form of altars decorated with local food that is this patron saint of fathers, the poor, workmen, the sick, symbolically offered to the poor and needy. This is one and families. On March 19, is celebrated during the “Festa way townspeople publicly show gratitude to their celestial del Papà” (Father’s Day). patron for a good harvest or for a miracle received in time According to the Catholic tradition, the origin of the of need or illness. celebration dates back Medieval Sicily. Peasants invoked Elaborate bread altars have been an important part of Saint Joseph after a terrible drought, and he answered Salemi’s public celebration since the 19th century. The their prayers, saving them from starvation. “Cene di San Giuseppe” (St. Joseph’s Dinners), also called Bread is at the heart of this celebration. Nowadays, we “St. Joseph’s Tables,” actually take place at midday. Tables can choose from a variety of different breads at any market, at several venues throughout the city’s historic center so it might be difficult to understand its importance for the hold a banquet offered to three children who symbolize rural communities of the past. Peasants worked hard in the the Holy Family. These children are referred to as “Santi” fields, and bread was their “reward.” (saints) or “Virgineddi” (virgins). At the beginning of the 20th century, “pane” (bread) was Preparation for the dinner begins eight days before the almost considered holy in Sicily. “U pani non si ietta mai!” festival. The tables must include between 19 and 101 (bread should never be thrown away) is an expression courses, all meatless due to Lenten obligations. Spaghetti uttered a thousand times in Italian households by parents mixed with olive oil, breadcrumbs, sugar, cinnamon and and grandparents. parsley, along with different kinds of cakes and vegetarian Bread as “holy food” is linked to the cult of San Giuseppe omelets, is among the food choices offered to the young through rituals to fulfill vows and give thanks for miracles. guests. The devotee who prepares the meal is someone who shows gratitude and reverence to San Giuseppe. Another unique ritual in this celebration is conducted next to the tables: the construction of a chapel-like structure made of wood or iron. This chapel contains a three-tiered altar surrounded by an ornamental roof-like projection framed in myrtle and laurel and hung with lemons, oranges, and hundreds of small, ornately shaped breads. The altars contain candles, crosses and other religious objects, flowers, select foods, a jar of wine, and three large, more intricately ornate breads (Cudduri) intended for the children. These breads, which represent the Holy Family, are set on the front steps while a large framed print of St. Joseph Despite the cancellation of the traditional public celebrations on March 19th, St. Joseph’s Feast Day, or of the Holy Family is placed at the due to the pandemic, devotees will still set up the elaborately-decorated altars in their homes to fulfill a center of the chapel. promise or give thanks for a favor granted. Photo by Alberto Lunetta "Italian News" cont’d on Page 11
