The Italian American Museum will present “The Traditions of St. Joseph”, on Thursday, March 19th at 6:30 PM, a talk that will examine the centuries-old celebrations that honor the patron saint of Italy. Museum Founder and President Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa will offer a historical perspective of St. Joseph’s Day which is observed yearly on the 19th of March. Fulbright Scholar Stephanie Trudeau will provide additional information on the feast and present photographs of the annual celebration in Sicily.
There is probably no religious figure more entwined with Italian culture than St. Joseph, the husband of Mary the Blessed Virgin and the step-father of Jesus Christ. He is the patron saint of 10 nations, including Italy, where March 19th is observed as Father’s Day.
Another popular tradition, the St. Joseph’s Day table, has its origins in Sicily, where elaborate displays of food were made available to the poor. It is believed this tradition, which was always meatless because it occurred during Lent, evolved from a devastating famine.
Generally, the dishes represent the local harvest. Breads are baked in shapes of a staff, a carpenter's implement, a hand, the cross and animals close to the Infant Child at birth. Minestre–thick soups–are made of lentils, favas and other types of beans, together with escarole, broccoli, or cauliflower. Other vegetables, celery, fennel stalks, boiled and stuffed artichokes are also served.
In the US, many Italian Americans continue to celebrate St. Joseph’s Day.
Thursday, March 19th, 6:30 P.M.
Suggested donation of $10 per person
RSVP Code: StJoseph0319
For reservations, please call the
Italian American Museum at (212) 965-9000
or
*** Please include RSVP Code when making your reservation ***
The IAM is chartered by the University of the State of New York and has a 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS.
