March 19 2013

March 19 is the last day of winter.  I guess the Old Man wants us to be sure to remember him as he left us with a storm (obnoxiously named Ukko by our friends at the "Doom and Gloom" Channel) in his wake.  No school today which came as a surprise after I'd already reported for work.  I guess I'm a little bit like Ukko--it's the end of the season and I'm showing up anyhow. 

I could hear the spring sounds of the birds singing away while the wet snow was piling up.  It was a bit disconcerting trying to make sense of those two events in the same observation but I take heart in the fact that tomorrow is the first day of Spring! 

Today is also St. Joseph's Day which I understand to be a significant holiday for some Italians.  Until I did a little bit of research, I did not realize all the traditions this holiday incorporates.  From The Feast of St. Joseph website:

 St. Joseph's Day is a big Feast for Italians because in the Middle Ages, God, through St. Joseph's intercessions, saved the Sicilians from a very serious drought. So in his honor, the custom is for all to wear red, in the same way that green is worn on St. Patrick's Day. (are you all wearing red today?)

Today, after Mass (at least in parishes with large Italian populations), a big altar ("la tavola di San Giuse" or "St. Joseph's Table") is laden with food contributed by everyone (note that all these St. Joseph celebrations might take place on the nearest, most convenient weekend). Different Italian regions celebrate this day differently, but all involve special meatless foods: minestrone, pasta with breadcrumbs (the breadcrumbs symbolize the sawdust that would have covered St. Joseph's floor), seafood, Sfinge di San Giuseppe, and, always, fava beans, which are considered "lucky" because during the drought, the fava thrived while other crops failed (recipes below).

The table -- which is always blessed by a priest -- will be in three tiers, symbolizing the Most Holy Trinity. The top tier will hold a statue of St. Joseph surrounded by flowers and greenery. The other tiers might hold, in addition to the food: flowers (especially lilies); candles; figurines and symbolic breads and pastries shaped like a monstrance, chalices, fishes, doves, baskets, St. Joseph's staff, lilies, the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts, carpentry tools, etc.; 12 fishes symbolizing the 12 Apostles; wine symbolizing the miracle at Cana; pineapple symbolizing hospitality; lemons for "luck"; bread and wine (symbolizing the Last Supper); and pictures of the dead. There will also be a basket in which the faithful place prayer petitions.

The cry "Viva la tavola di San Giuse!" begins the feasting and is heard throughout the day. When the eating is done, the St. Joseph's altar is smashed, and then three children dressed as the Holy Family will knock on three doors, asking for shelter. They will be refused at the first two, and welcomed at the third, in memory of the Holy Family's seeking of hospitality just before Christ was born. This re-enactment is called "Tupa Tupa," meaning "Knock Knock."

The day ends with each participant taking home a bag that might be filled with bread, fruit, pastries, cookies, a medal of St. Joseph, a Holy Card and/or a blessed fava bean. Keep your "lucky bean," and let it remind you to pray to St. Joseph. (The Litany of St. Joseph would be most appropriate today! You can download the Litany, in Microsoft Word .doc format, in English and in Latin). 
  

The website contains recipes as well in case this interests you.  

James is on his spring training trip spending time with Kathleen and Nick this week.  I understand that Jean and Tracie have also visited this week!  It's a little bit like the traditional St. Joseph's Day celebration--family knocking on the door seeking shelter!  Thanks for taking them in Nick and Kathleen!  I believe Angela and Bill are also on the road visiting family this week.

We were able to join Jean for her birthday dinner last week which was great fun for us.  Additional family news includes Amy's engagement which was another recent birthday dinner surprise!  She and Michael haven't made any plans yet and we welcome Michael into the (crazy) fold.  Congratulations sweetie!