New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
| Today is Saint Joseph's Day, an anticipated occasion for celebration in Sicilian culture. The Sicilians create large altar-like tables of food called "Saint Joseph's tables," or tavole di San Giuseppe. These altar-esque tables are stacked to capacity with various kinds of delectable foods, but the star of this celebration is bread. The bread is baked into various artful shapes, such as baskets, fruits, suns, moons, animals, and even angels. The purpose of the celebration is to show gratitude for Saint Joseph's continued protection of the family and the bounty of food from the earth. The bread in both traditional Sicilian culture and modern Pagan culture remains a symbol of bounty.
Today, using a favorite recipe, bake your own bread in a shape that is meaningful to you as a symbol of your gratitude for the earth's bounty and for all that you have. Place the bread upon your altar to charge until you serve it at dinner. |
