(Me-8 months pregnant, my Bonka, and my mom-Altar 2009)
Being Sicilian, one of my fondest memories as a child was the St. Joseph Altar. My grandmother would work for days, sometimes weeks preparing spaghetti, bread, cookies and more for this event. Sadly, my grandmother's last Altar was over two years ago, she was sick and no longer to help with the event. My mother and her friends took over in their honor, after watching their parents for years, they knew to carry on this tradition! I was 8 months pregnant with Justin, but so happy that we stopped to take a picture on this day. My grandmother was so proud of the work they had done! So, it is now that time again...tomorrow it will take place. People come to enjoy food, admire the Altar and pay tribute. I know I should be there with them right now, because carrying on this tradition is something I WILL do for my family and this strong part of my family, especially my grandmother-she'd be SO proud :)
The Story of the St. Joseph Altar: The people of Sicily, after no rain for their crops, pleaded with St. Joseph and in return, water filled the sky. To return the favor, the prepared a huge feast for St. Joseph and also the less fortunate. Through Sicilian immigrants, the custom of St. Joseph Altar was introduced to America.
Some of those being our family and friends! Our Altar is filled with fruits and vegetables from local gardens, freshly baked breads from all over, Easter decorations, pictures of St. Joseph, and tons of freshly baked Italian cookies. Spaghetti dinners are served and the money donated goes to the Church.
Being Sicilian, one of my fondest memories as a child was the St. Joseph Altar. My grandmother would work for days, sometimes weeks preparing spaghetti, bread, cookies and more for this event. Sadly, my grandmother's last Altar was over two years ago, she was sick and no longer to help with the event. My mother and her friends took over in their honor, after watching their parents for years, they knew to carry on this tradition! I was 8 months pregnant with Justin, but so happy that we stopped to take a picture on this day. My grandmother was so proud of the work they had done! So, it is now that time again...tomorrow it will take place. People come to enjoy food, admire the Altar and pay tribute. I know I should be there with them right now, because carrying on this tradition is something I WILL do for my family and this strong part of my family, especially my grandmother-she'd be SO proud :)
The Story of the St. Joseph Altar: The people of Sicily, after no rain for their crops, pleaded with St. Joseph and in return, water filled the sky. To return the favor, the prepared a huge feast for St. Joseph and also the less fortunate. Through Sicilian immigrants, the custom of St. Joseph Altar was introduced to America.
Some of those being our family and friends! Our Altar is filled with fruits and vegetables from local gardens, freshly baked breads from all over, Easter decorations, pictures of St. Joseph, and tons of freshly baked Italian cookies. Spaghetti dinners are served and the money donated goes to the Church.
10 comments:
Thanks for this post Marissa, it was interesting to read another take on La Festa di San Giuseppe. Thankyou also for commenting about this on my blog.
that sounds awesome! i can't wait to see this year's altar!
This is such a beautiful family tradition! I can't wait to see your altar this year - good for you for carrying it on!
I've never heard of this but I love carrying on family traditions.
Wow, I didn't know anything about this tradition. I love it! Your grandmother would be so happy to know that you'll be carrying it on for years to come with your family. So special.
What a great tradition!!
Head on over to my blog to pick up your award. http://breezybeachlife.blogspot.com/2011/03/im-good-egg.html
What a very nice tradition to carry on thru your family. I loved reading the story & can't wait to see your pictures from this year. :)
What a nice tradition and super neat photo for the memory box. Thanks for sharing
I love that special picture. this tradition sounds lovely. I love traditions and the warm feelings they create. The thought of bringing family and friends together is so wonderful. Great post my friend. have a good night!
Mama Hen
What a beautiful tradition and that picture just makes it so much more special!! I think your grandmother would be very very proud!
Post a Comment