For years, Sicily was blessed with an abundance of crops. However, there was a year where a drought robbed Sicily of their food and water. Due to this, the people of Sicily turned to St. Joseph, “The Protector of the Holy Family”. The people prayed to St. Joseph and promised to honor him if he helped them in their time of need. They remained faithful and hopeful in this saint. One day, the people found out that the fava bean was the only plant that survived the dry earth. The Sicilians poured all of their hope into this bean, which became food for the cattle. When rain finally returned to the island, the people of Sicily collected food to form a feast in honor of St. Joseph. This event is now considered tradition and is celebrated every year. Documenting these altars might play a role in the promotion of a just and humane society by influencing people of the same heritage or culture to act the way their ancestors acted. Their ancestors worked together in their time of need, helping one another to survive. They also encouraged each other to be hopeful and carry on. The people who read these documentations do not have to be Sicilian to be encouraged to unite and help one another. Today, St. Joseph Altars are published in the newspaper, inviting everyone to visit the altars. The stories of those who made the altars are published, too. These stories include a huge network of family and friends who get together to build these altars. Time, patience, support, creativity, and love are put into building this altar. After reading these articles, people are encouraged to be caring, supportive, and faithful once they see the example the altar builders set.
The creation of Saint Joseph Altars is a symbol of giving thanks which was originated in Sicily. People have been making it faithfully despite years of war and famine. The people of Sicily turned to St. Joseph, the spouse of The Virgin Mary and the foster father of Jesus, to help them in their time of need. They people of Sicily stayed faithful and it was rewarded. A legend tells of the fava bean, which was food for their cows, was able to survive and sprout from the parched ground. This little bean was their life saving crop and became a symbol of hope. When the crops finally returned, the people stayed true to their word and produce a small feast in the honor of Saint Joseph. This event has now become a tradition not just for people in Sicily, but from people from all over and is celebrated every year. Documenting St Joseph’s altars might play a role in the promotion of a just and humane society by helping people from the same religion and culture return to the old ways and act the way their ancestors acted. It can also help those who are going through hard times to try a tradition that helps if they have faith. The people who try this don’t have to be from Sicily because I am helping with a Saint Joseph altar and I’m not from there. These altars are published over the internet, magazines, and newspapers urging people to come visit them. Building these altars is an effort from family and friends. It can bring people together for one common thing. It takes time in building these altars. It also takes patience, love, and effort. The people hear at Xavier plan on having an altar in the library which can bring the students and the staff together for one common thing.
Documenting the experience, culture, and building of St. Joseph's Day altars can promote our society to be more humane and just in many ways. This tradition, after all, is built on the concepts of meekness, humility, and faith. Some might argue these are some of the basic characteristics that need to become a bigger part of our society as a whole in order to ensure justice and humanity. The tradition of building an altar in honor of St. Joseph began in the Middle Ages. This was an act of thankfulness and appreciation because St. Joseph had answered prayers of Sicilian farmers, fisherman, and their families. At the time they were experiencing a serious drought that threatened their livelihood. The families of farmers and fisherman built altars in their houses so they might be able to share their prosperity with others who happen to be less fortunate. This rich culture and tradition found its way to New Orleans thanks to a spike in Sicilian immigration to the city. Unfortunately the tradition is not as as strong as it once was but it can still serve to impact our society in a big way. Taking the time and effort out to recognize this culture can be the first baby step in changing the attitude of this city. Hopefully with a more positive outlook and attitude, people can wake up and start to realize that they must actively fight to mold their community into a better place. In doing so, we may be able to set an example for the next city and the next.
Chinedu Echebelem After reading Sandra Scalise Juneau’s History of Saint Joseph Altars Tradition, Thanksgiving, Promise, Petition, it is clear that individuals who celebrate the Saint Joseph Altars encourage a just and humane society. Sicilians brought their faith, culture, and celebration of the Saint Joseph Altar to American by settling in Louisiana. Along with that, they also brought their morals, ethnics, and respect for their Patron. They shared their faith of the saints with their neighbors. By including their neighbors and friends in their celebration, these Sicily natives expanded the knowledge of Saint Joseph Altars Day; which is equivalent to spreading their faith to create a more just society. They created a collectively inclusive community, and the more individuals who engaged in the sacred feast day, the more people acknowledged how the prayers for a relief of famine were answered by Saint Joseph. With the love, hard work, creativity, and devotion put into every single Saint Joseph Altar comes the influence onto the American natives. As these Americans embrace the work put into the Saint Joseph Day celebration, they will incorporate these values, skills, and qualities into their own communities and everyday lives. By families promoting and participating in Saint Joseph Day celebration, they contribute to the kindness in a community. This is how the Saint Joseph Day celebration may promote a humane society. Sandra Scalise Juneau states, “For each individual… is to partake in a sacred experience that will touch your soul with a true spirit of benevolence.” That ‘true spirit of benevolence’ is how these individuals stimulate a humane society, not only in their communities but in the world as a whole. I definitely believe that the continuation of celebrating Saint Joseph Altar will help to promote a just and humane society, and I would truly love to partake in the sacred feast myself.
The making of the St. Joseph’s altars as stated in the article is a tradition of Thanksgiving, Promise, and petition. These are all things that can act components to promote a just and human society. The tradition began in Sicily when one time of harvest there was a drought or famine so the people decide that they would pray to St. Joseph and promised that they would reward him if he answered their prayers. Most of their crops had dried up and died because of the drought, but the fava bean was the only crop that survived from the famine. They now refer to the bean as the “lucky bean” or the bean of hope because it was the only crop that did not die from the drought. The people of Sicily kept praying and stayed faithful to St. Joseph so in return he blessed them with rain. Then the crops began to grow and the people of Sicily decided that they would have a feast to honor the great St.Joesph for finally answering their prayers. This tradition has been going on for many years and migrated from Sicily to many others city like New Orleans. The building of the St. Joseph altar can promote a just and human society because this tradition shows how one should be thankful, kind, determine, and devoted. These are all factors that tie into the promotion of a humane and just society. The people who built the altars were determined to pray and worship St. Joseph in order to receive rain and they also promised that they would stay faithful to him after he blessed them. The people also showed kindness to St. Joseph by having a feast every year in his honor but they also showed kindness to other people because they would welcome the poor to the feast that they had for St.Joseph. The people that began this tradition showed how everyone can be involed in being kind and faithful to their god, tradition and each other. I hope that I get that experience when I build an altar on my next community service project.
The St. Joseph Alters first originated centuries ago in Sicily. It started because of a drought and it is a tradition where people give thanks to each other and this tradition has still been going on after many years of famine, wars, and cultural displacement. The tradition is also celebrated in honor St. Joseph. St. Joseph was known to have gifts of obedience, faithfulness, patience, and justice. Since the drought had dried out their water and crops they prayed to St. Joseph until the drought finally went away. The people of Sicily showed their gratitude to St. Joseph by making foods they harvested and giving it to the poor. For the St. Joseph Alter they made decorative bread, cookies, and pasties in different shapes. The St. Joseph Alter can play a role in the promotion of a just and humane society because there a lot of culture and religion behind it all. Since immigrants brought this culture to America, the St. Joseph Alters can be celebrated by anyone who wants to celebrate it. This is a good way for people of same religion to experience this tradition and learn about the culture of the St. Joseph Alters. Since St. Joseph did a miracle for the people of Sicily, then this can raise the faith of religious people. Even for people that aren’t religious can still celebrate the tradition of the St. Joseph Alter because many families believe that it can bring good fortune.
The tradition of making Saint Joseph Altars was brought to America by Sicilians during the waves and time of immigration that spanned throughout the late-nineteenth century into the twentieth century. The majority of the immigrants migrated and settled in south Louisiana. When the Sicilians came to south Louisiana, they brought the blessings of their cultural heritage to the land with an appreciation for its creativity through food as art, strong work ethic, strong sense of family, and they were sustained by their gift of Faith like their ancestors. In preparing Saint Joseph Altars, they found continuity and gave thanks for the many blessings they had received. Over the past few years, the same elements nourished through generation to generations of south Louisianans who strongly continue the tradition by celebrating the sacred feast day with the Saint Joseph Altars. By the 1920s, the Saint Joseph Altar tradition became established among thee many celebrations in Louisiana. During the 1940s, many of the altars were made by families as a "promise" to Saint Joseph. The tradition of honoring the Feast of Saint Joseph has become as celebration of multi-cultural influences. St Joseph’s altars plays a role in the promotion of a just and humane society because it continues bringing small family celebrations together, which some are held in private homes or at an elaborate Saint joseph Altars held in churches and institutions.
Taylor Reuther Sicilians, in waves of immigration, brought the St. Joseph’s Day Alter to America during the late nineteenth-century to early twentieth-century. The tradition started in Sicily because there was a drought, so the Sicilians prayed to St. Joseph for relief. The citizens promised St. Joseph a feast in his honor if he would help them get out of this famine caused by the drought. In response to their prayers, the fava bean was the only plant that sustained the harsh conditions and became their symbol of hope throughout this drought. When the rains finally returned, the Sicilians showed their gratitude for St. Joseph by offering up a feast in his name for helping them get through the famine. Reading this article shows how American truly is the “Melting Pot.” People from every culture of the world come to America to fulfill their hopes and dreams of a better life. The tradition of the St. Joseph’s Day Alter is also built around hopes and dreams because the Sicilians prayed to St. Joseph for relief from the famine. This tradition helps maintain a just and humane society in the light that many different cultures comes together to celebrate the same tradition. Each year, the families come together in times of disparity and in times of thanksgiving to show their willingness to help others and pray for the best of mankind.
Saint Joseph’s Altars play a role in the promotion of a just and humane society in several ways. It is a tradition of Thanksgiving, Promise, and Petition after all. These are key mechanisms to promote a more just and humane society. Saint Josephs Altars is a tradition which originates from the Sicilians not too long ago. The tradition started after a series of droughts, famine, and war, when people were about to give up hope. However, because of St. Joseph, people did not give up and the tradition started in honor of him. As you can see, because people believed in him, they got through tough times. These St. Joseph Altars are symbols of his perseverance, patience, justice, and obedience. With these characteristics, a just and humane society is made even more possible. The process of building these altars also bring people together that have similar interests. It is a way to unite people and having this special unity takes us a step closer to a just and humane society. Finally, the celebration itself is a big feast which many families share together and this further unites people. Unfortunately, the tradition is not as strong as it used to be, but there are people working hard to make it bigger and better.
The few thing that come to mind when I think of Saint Joseph's Day Altar is giving thanks, being grateful, and a strong tradition. The Sicilians went through suffrage during the famine, but kept hope on their side and the love for God. Keeping their faith in God helped them through the hard times of hunger and in result God blessed them with the drought being over and overcoming the issues at hand. The importance of this is that they believed God would be there for them. Patience was key, which just so happens that someone would need patience while making these altars. The tradition of making the altars was brought to New Orleans and is dying out, but there are still people who care to keep this tradition going because it would be tragic if it went extinct. The history, morals, and meaning behind the Altar can teach someone about having faith, patience, love for God, gratitude, and much more. I was truly happy to be a part of making the “cuccidata”. Not only was it fun to learn what other cultures doing, but also hearing someone share their personal story of making these beautiful altars and sharing their enjoyment for the tradition and what it means to them.
The tradition of the St. Joseph Altars began in Sicily many centuries ago. It started when there was a series of wars, famines, and droughts. With so many horrible situations going on at once, many people began to give up hope. Once this began to happen, the people of Sicily began to pray and call upon St. Joseph to come along and offer the people hope. St. Joseph did just that. He offered the people hope. The fava bean was found and then used as a way to feed the leftover cattle. The people of Sicily even believed that he blessed them with rain. Once the rain began to rain on the island once again, the people of Sicily decided it was time to praise St. Joseph for his work. The people not only created a feast, but an altar as well. The altar recognizes the three symbols of Thanksgiving, Promise, and Petition. These symbols were believed to be characteristics of St. Joseph. By documenting St. Joseph’s altars, it might play a role in the promotion of a just and humane society by showing off the characteristics of St. Joseph. People could learn how to appreciate what they have due to the Sicilians ways of appreciating the fava bean. The Sicilians also came together to help one another throughout the hard time they were all going through. The devotion that the Sicilians had towards showing thanks to St. Joseph transformed into a yearly thing and then into a tradition. However, the tradition does not receive the same amount of attention it once did in the past. Although there are advertisements in newspapers about the showcases of different St. Joseph altars, many people do not attend. Hopefully all of this will change, and all of us will live in a just and humane society thanks to the help of St. Joseph.
During the late nineteenth-century to the early twentieth-century, Sicilians brought the St. Joseph’s Altars, a tradition of Thanksgiving, to America. The tradition started in Sicily because there was a catastrophic drought that caused crops to fail, people to starve and cattle to die of thirst. In the mist of this drought the Sicilians directed their prayers to Saint Joseph, asking for the relief of famine. From putting their faith in Saint Joseph they were rewarded with the fava bean, which was used as food for the cattle, was able to be grown in the bone-dry ground. The fava bean became a symbol of hope to the Sicilians. Finally rain returned and the Sicilians had a feast of thanksgiving in honor of Saint Joseph, which is usually celebrated on the 19th day of March. Majority of the Sicilian immigrants settled in south Louisiana because its climate was similar and they were recruited as workers for sugarcane plantations. The Sicilians brought their “strong ethic; a connectedness to the land with an appreciation for its bounty; their creativity, especially through food as art; their strong sense of family, and, like their ancestors, they were sustained by their gift of faith”. (2-3 Juneau) The tradition became firmly established in many celebrations in Louisiana by the 1920’s. In the French Quarter in New Orleans, altars were being displayed in restaurants owned by Sicilian families and in stores display windows. Documenting these altars play a role in the promotion of a just and humane society by symbolizing obedience, patience, determination, kindness and thankfulness. The people that built these altars were patient and determined to worship Saint Joseph in order to receive as their blessing if they were obedient and stay faithful to him. When they received their blessing (rain) they were thankful. The Sicilians showed their kindness by welcoming them to join their feast for Saint Joseph.
The tradition of St. Joseph alters might play a role in promoting a just and humane society because of its history. The custom originated in Sicily, an Italian island where bread and flour was a staple in their diet. They would have some type of bread with every meal of the day. Due to drought there was a famine and wheat became rationed and sold at a high price. Only the most elite in the town could afford to buy bread. The people prayed to St. Joseph, “The Protector of the Holy Family,” to bring them through this drought and famine. Families pulled together whatever they could to help each other out. When rain finally returned to the island, the people assembled an alter with their fair of freshly grown crops dedicated to St Joseph thanking him for bring them through the difficult time. They made traditional dishes and new dishes with the discovery of the fava bean, the only crop that grew well without much watering. The tradition of St. Joseph alters show that even when there is injustice in the world, when everyone pulls together they can make it through the ordeal.
The St. Joseph’s Alters can promote a just and humane society by keeping the importance and value of Family, Food, and Fun. The tradition of St. Joseph’s alters is a tradition of Thanksgiving celebration in America. St. Joseph was considered the protector of many residents of Sicily as they endured some hardships of a famine. St. Joseph alters brings into retrospect the value and morality of family and of culture shared and passed down through many generations. Due to the morality of the purpose of the altars there is intake of a humane society. The focus on material things are faded out of the minds of the participants of the altar’s as they can focus on more moral values. A just society is also a result of the altar’s due to the deliverance of more social communication and value during the tradition as families are brought together to focus on what they tend to be most thankful for. Traditionally at the alters families share in feast of many foods and popular dishes to remember the blessings of food as they struggled many years before due to drought and famine. The tradition of the altars is a lineage of the past brought into a more promising future, and gratefulness of the present.
Building Saint Joseph’s altar is a tradition brought to New Orleans from the Sicilians. The Sicilians faced a devastating drought and which they were unable to provide food for their cattle and barely enough for themselves; to end the drought they prayed to Saint Joseph. The fava bean was only plant that survived the drought so it was used for food for their cattle. Eventually Saint Joseph blessed the Sicilians with rain so when they were able that had a feast in his honor and to share their fortune with those in need. Since the Sicilians build their alter to bless those in needs it promotes the participation in a just and humane society. The altar is not only used to show gratitude, but also to help others. It is sort of a parallel between St. Joseph and the Sicilians with today’s believer and those in need; St. Joseph blessed the Sicilians in the desperate time of famine and today’s believers are to bless those in need with what they have just as St. Joseph did for the Sicilians. I have no doubt that those who Catholic and participate in building the altar of St. Joseph and other things are effected in a positive way such as helping those that they are in need.
St. Joseph Day Alters documentation might play a role in the promotion of a just and humane society because of what the alters represent and because of the background history involved with the alters brings St. Joseph’s Alters are a tradition of Thanksgiving, that began many years ago in Sicily. Saint Joseph’s Alter is connected to the blessings bestowed upon Sicily. Many centuries ago catastrophy struck Sicily, crops failed, cattle dyed and people starved. The faithful Sicilians prayed to Saint Joseph “Protector of the Holy Family” relief from the famine. Despite much change, the Sicilians were honored for their strong faith and the famine ended to the growth of the fava bean. To a just and humane society the story of the Sicilians relentless faith promotes Saint Joseph Alters in many ways. Saint Joseph is now honored annually every March nineteenth under the Sicilian tradition. The Alters represent Abbondanza, the abundance of Faith, Hope and Love with which the Sicilians have been blessed. This tradition is continued today and represents and provides an unbroken connection to the Sicilian’s ancestral heritage. Today the tradition has been passed on to many other cultures, including African-American and Hispanic. It would also be a promotion because it’s a prayer that brings families and friends together in a true sense of community. St. Joseph’s is a feast that brings many people together and helps with unity. Overall the altars fill one with a total sense of abbondanza, which completely connects to a just and humane society. As a naturally generous people, Sicilians fit perfectly into a just and humane society and there fore would be great for promotion.
After so many years of Sicily crops being well nourished one year struck a dramatic change. During this time the people of Sicily was deprived from food and water. As a consequence of the deprivation the citizens of Sicily put their faith in St. Joseph. St. Joseph was known to be “The Protector of the Holy Family”. The people of Sicily worshiped the idol God St. Joseph. In the time of need the people of Sicily promised to honor St. Joseph for in return to be helped with their lifeless crops. The faithful citizens built alters in their homes in respect to St. Joseph. A single fava bean was the one hope for the citizens of Sicily. This fava bean was the only bean that survived during the deprivation of the crops and the horrible famine period. As tradition shows, building a St. Joseph alter helped the people of Sicily to regain their nourished crops. The people remained faithful to the St. Joseph in order to receive their blessing of rain and they also promise to remain faithful to him after his blessings. Just like in the era of Sicily, building a St. Joseph alter can promote a more humanitarian society. The people of Sicily annually had a fest in honor of St. Joseph and invited the poor to feast with them. During the creation of this tradition, the people expressed kindness, care, love, and true fellowship. As in legend, St. Joseph is known to bring good fortune and prosperity. I hope with this community project the same experience the people of Sicily had can be fulfilled in modern times. I was happy know the history of the St. Joseph alters and to spread a helping hand in the project. I hope to continue the tradition of the St. Joseph alter.
Saint Joseph Altars is a story filled with both abundance and deprivation. The story starts off with a great famine that affected the whole island of Sicily. Crops failed, cattle were dying of thirst, and people were starving. The people were in bad shape so they prayed to St. Joseph for relief from this terrible time of despair. Even though they were in bad shape they kept with it and eventually their prayers got answered. This happened through faith. Faith is strong belief or trust in someone or something. If everyone has faith in the Lord the world would be more just and humane. If you believe there is another place you will go after life trust him and follow his commands and we will all live in a more just and humane way. Back to the story to faith the Sicilian’s survived and they began thanking St. Joseph by having a commemoration of his Feast Day. The fava bean was able to survive and grow saving cattle and people from starvation. The Sicilians fulfilled their promise to the savior, gathering their meager foods to share in a feast of thanksgiving in honor of Saint Joseph. This tradition that Americans got from the Sicilians has become about of Louisiana’s rich culture heritage. This tradition express prayer of thanksgiving brings families and friends together in a true sense of community. Bringing all these people together in a special place to share times of good with each other helps maintain and make life more just and humane. In America some people made this alters after their prayers to St. Joseph brought a family member who was in the war back home safety. They also make them after any other thing that their grateful for. St. Joseph Altars help are example of what people do after having faith and believe good things can and will happen.
The making of St. Joseph Altars is a tradition of thanksgiving that originated in Sicily. One year during the harvest season the people of Sicily experienced a famine that killed all their crops except for the fava bean. In hopes that the drought would end, the people of Sicily prayed to St. Joseph and promised to reward him if their prayers were answered. Because the people stayed faithful to St. Joseph by continuing to pray to him, he blessed them with rain and the crops began to grow. The people of Sicily decided to have a feast in honor of St. Joseph for answering their prayers. This feast has become a tradition for the people of Sicily as well as people from all over and is celebrated every year. Constructing these altars might play a role in promoting a just and humane society by influencing people of the same culture to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors. Working together in a time of need, helping one another to survive, and encouraging each other to be hopeful are all things that were exhibited in this tradition that would contribute to a just and humane society. The fact that everyone is invited to be a part of this tradition and not just Sicilians kind of gives me the sense that this tradition creates unity among people which is also a quality that would be found in a just and humane society.
Nancy Pham
ReplyDeleteFor years, Sicily was blessed with an abundance of crops. However, there was a year where a drought robbed Sicily of their food and water. Due to this, the people of Sicily turned to St. Joseph, “The Protector of the Holy Family”. The people prayed to St. Joseph and promised to honor him if he helped them in their time of need. They remained faithful and hopeful in this saint. One day, the people found out that the fava bean was the only plant that survived the dry earth. The Sicilians poured all of their hope into this bean, which became food for the cattle. When rain finally returned to the island, the people of Sicily collected food to form a feast in honor of St. Joseph. This event is now considered tradition and is celebrated every year.
Documenting these altars might play a role in the promotion of a just and humane society by influencing people of the same heritage or culture to act the way their ancestors acted. Their ancestors worked together in their time of need, helping one another to survive. They also encouraged each other to be hopeful and carry on. The people who read these documentations do not have to be Sicilian to be encouraged to unite and help one another. Today, St. Joseph Altars are published in the newspaper, inviting everyone to visit the altars. The stories of those who made the altars are published, too. These stories include a huge network of family and friends who get together to build these altars. Time, patience, support, creativity, and love are put into building this altar. After reading these articles, people are encouraged to be caring, supportive, and faithful once they see the example the altar builders set.
The creation of Saint Joseph Altars is a symbol of giving thanks which was originated in Sicily. People have been making it faithfully despite years of war and famine. The people of Sicily turned to St. Joseph, the spouse of The Virgin Mary and the foster father of Jesus, to help them in their time of need. They people of Sicily stayed faithful and it was rewarded. A legend tells of the fava bean, which was food for their cows, was able to survive and sprout from the parched ground. This little bean was their life saving crop and became a symbol of hope. When the crops finally returned, the people stayed true to their word and produce a small feast in the honor of Saint Joseph. This event has now become a tradition not just for people in Sicily, but from people from all over and is celebrated every year. Documenting St Joseph’s altars might play a role in the promotion of a just and humane society by helping people from the same religion and culture return to the old ways and act the way their ancestors acted. It can also help those who are going through hard times to try a tradition that helps if they have faith. The people who try this don’t have to be from Sicily because I am helping with a Saint Joseph altar and I’m not from there. These altars are published over the internet, magazines, and newspapers urging people to come visit them. Building these altars is an effort from family and friends. It can bring people together for one common thing. It takes time in building these altars. It also takes patience, love, and effort. The people hear at Xavier plan on having an altar in the library which can bring the students and the staff together for one common thing.
ReplyDeleteDocumenting the experience, culture, and building of St. Joseph's Day altars can promote our society to be more humane and just in many ways. This tradition, after all, is built on the concepts of meekness, humility, and faith. Some might argue these are some of the basic characteristics that need to become a bigger part of our society as a whole in order to ensure justice and humanity. The tradition of building an altar in honor of St. Joseph began in the Middle Ages. This was an act of thankfulness and appreciation because St. Joseph had answered prayers of Sicilian farmers, fisherman, and their families. At the time they were experiencing a serious drought that threatened their livelihood. The families of farmers and fisherman built altars in their houses so they might be able to share their prosperity with others who happen to be less fortunate. This rich culture and tradition found its way to New Orleans thanks to a spike in Sicilian immigration to the city. Unfortunately the tradition is not as as strong as it once was but it can still serve to impact our society in a big way. Taking the time and effort out to recognize this culture can be the first baby step in changing the attitude of this city. Hopefully with a more positive outlook and attitude, people can wake up and start to realize that they must actively fight to mold their community into a better place. In doing so, we may be able to set an example for the next city and the next.
ReplyDeleteChinedu Echebelem
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Sandra Scalise Juneau’s History of Saint Joseph Altars Tradition, Thanksgiving, Promise, Petition, it is clear that individuals who celebrate the Saint Joseph Altars encourage a just and humane society. Sicilians brought their faith, culture, and celebration of the Saint Joseph Altar to American by settling in Louisiana. Along with that, they also brought their morals, ethnics, and respect for their Patron. They shared their faith of the saints with their neighbors. By including their neighbors and friends in their celebration, these Sicily natives expanded the knowledge of Saint Joseph Altars Day; which is equivalent to spreading their faith to create a more just society. They created a collectively inclusive community, and the more individuals who engaged in the sacred feast day, the more people acknowledged how the prayers for a relief of famine were answered by Saint Joseph.
With the love, hard work, creativity, and devotion put into every single Saint Joseph Altar comes the influence onto the American natives. As these Americans embrace the work put into the Saint Joseph Day celebration, they will incorporate these values, skills, and qualities into their own communities and everyday lives. By families promoting and participating in Saint Joseph Day celebration, they contribute to the kindness in a community. This is how the Saint Joseph Day celebration may promote a humane society. Sandra Scalise Juneau states, “For each individual… is to partake in a sacred experience that will touch your soul with a true spirit of benevolence.” That ‘true spirit of benevolence’ is how these individuals stimulate a humane society, not only in their communities but in the world as a whole. I definitely believe that the continuation of celebrating Saint Joseph Altar will help to promote a just and humane society, and I would truly love to partake in the sacred feast myself.
The making of the St. Joseph’s altars as stated in the article is a tradition of Thanksgiving, Promise, and petition. These are all things that can act components to promote a just and human society. The tradition began in Sicily when one time of harvest there was a drought or famine so the people decide that they would pray to St. Joseph and promised that they would reward him if he answered their prayers. Most of their crops had dried up and died because of the drought, but the fava bean was the only crop that survived from the famine. They now refer to the bean as the “lucky bean” or the bean of hope because it was the only crop that did not die from the drought. The people of Sicily kept praying and stayed faithful to St. Joseph so in return he blessed them with rain. Then the crops began to grow and the people of Sicily decided that they would have a feast to honor the great St.Joesph for finally answering their prayers. This tradition has been going on for many years and migrated from Sicily to many others city like New Orleans.
ReplyDeleteThe building of the St. Joseph altar can promote a just and human society because this tradition shows how one should be thankful, kind, determine, and devoted. These are all factors that tie into the promotion of a humane and just society. The people who built the altars were determined to pray and worship St. Joseph in order to receive rain and they also promised that they would stay faithful to him after he blessed them. The people also showed kindness to St. Joseph by having a feast every year in his honor but they also showed kindness to other people because they would welcome the poor to the feast that they had for St.Joseph. The people that began this tradition showed how everyone can be involed in being kind and faithful to their god, tradition and each other. I hope that I get that experience when I build an altar on my next community service project.
The St. Joseph Alters first originated centuries ago in Sicily. It started because of a drought and it is a tradition where people give thanks to each other and this tradition has still been going on after many years of famine, wars, and cultural displacement. The tradition is also celebrated in honor St. Joseph. St. Joseph was known to have gifts of obedience, faithfulness, patience, and justice. Since the drought had dried out their water and crops they prayed to St. Joseph until the drought finally went away. The people of Sicily showed their gratitude to St. Joseph by making foods they harvested and giving it to the poor. For the St. Joseph Alter they made decorative bread, cookies, and pasties in different shapes. The St. Joseph Alter can play a role in the promotion of a just and humane society because there a lot of culture and religion behind it all. Since immigrants brought this culture to America, the St. Joseph Alters can be celebrated by anyone who wants to celebrate it. This is a good way for people of same religion to experience this tradition and learn about the culture of the St. Joseph Alters. Since St. Joseph did a miracle for the people of Sicily, then this can raise the faith of religious people. Even for people that aren’t religious can still celebrate the tradition of the St. Joseph Alter because many families believe that it can bring good fortune.
ReplyDeleteThe tradition of making Saint Joseph Altars was brought to America by Sicilians during the waves and time of immigration that spanned throughout the late-nineteenth century into the twentieth century. The majority of the immigrants migrated and settled in south Louisiana. When the Sicilians came to south Louisiana, they brought the blessings of their cultural heritage to the land with an appreciation for its creativity through food as art, strong work ethic, strong sense of family, and they were sustained by their gift of Faith like their ancestors. In preparing Saint Joseph Altars, they found continuity and gave thanks for the many blessings they had received. Over the past few years, the same elements nourished through generation to generations of south Louisianans who strongly continue the tradition by celebrating the sacred feast day with the Saint Joseph Altars. By the 1920s, the Saint Joseph Altar tradition became established among thee many celebrations in Louisiana. During the 1940s, many of the altars were made by families as a "promise" to Saint Joseph. The tradition of honoring the Feast of Saint Joseph has become as celebration of multi-cultural influences. St Joseph’s altars plays a role in the promotion of a just and humane society because it continues bringing small family celebrations together, which some are held in private homes or at an elaborate Saint joseph Altars held in churches and institutions.
ReplyDeleteTaylor Reuther
ReplyDeleteSicilians, in waves of immigration, brought the St. Joseph’s Day Alter to America during the late nineteenth-century to early twentieth-century. The tradition started in Sicily because there was a drought, so the Sicilians prayed to St. Joseph for relief. The citizens promised St. Joseph a feast in his honor if he would help them get out of this famine caused by the drought. In response to their prayers, the fava bean was the only plant that sustained the harsh conditions and became their symbol of hope throughout this drought. When the rains finally returned, the Sicilians showed their gratitude for St. Joseph by offering up a feast in his name for helping them get through the famine.
Reading this article shows how American truly is the “Melting Pot.” People from every culture of the world come to America to fulfill their hopes and dreams of a better life. The tradition of the St. Joseph’s Day Alter is also built around hopes and dreams because the Sicilians prayed to St. Joseph for relief from the famine. This tradition helps maintain a just and humane society in the light that many different cultures comes together to celebrate the same tradition. Each year, the families come together in times of disparity and in times of thanksgiving to show their willingness to help others and pray for the best of mankind.
Minh Luan Nguyen
ReplyDeleteSaint Joseph’s Altars play a role in the promotion of a just and humane society in several ways. It is a tradition of Thanksgiving, Promise, and Petition after all. These are key mechanisms to promote a more just and humane society. Saint Josephs Altars is a tradition which originates from the Sicilians not too long ago. The tradition started after a series of droughts, famine, and war, when people were about to give up hope. However, because of St. Joseph, people did not give up and the tradition started in honor of him. As you can see, because people believed in him, they got through tough times. These St. Joseph Altars are symbols of his perseverance, patience, justice, and obedience. With these characteristics, a just and humane society is made even more possible. The process of building these altars also bring people together that have similar interests. It is a way to unite people and having this special unity takes us a step closer to a just and humane society. Finally, the celebration itself is a big feast which many families share together and this further unites people. Unfortunately, the tradition is not as strong as it used to be, but there are people working hard to make it bigger and better.
The few thing that come to mind when I think of Saint Joseph's Day Altar is giving thanks, being grateful, and a strong tradition. The Sicilians went through suffrage during the famine, but kept hope on their side and the love for God. Keeping their faith in God helped them through the hard times of hunger and in result God blessed them with the drought being over and overcoming the issues at hand. The importance of this is that they believed God would be there for them. Patience was key, which just so happens that someone would need patience while making these altars. The tradition of making the altars was brought to New Orleans and is dying out, but there are still people who care to keep this tradition going because it would be tragic if it went extinct. The history, morals, and meaning behind the Altar can teach someone about having faith, patience, love for God, gratitude, and much more. I was truly happy to be a part of making the “cuccidata”. Not only was it fun to learn what other cultures doing, but also hearing someone share their personal story of making these beautiful altars and sharing their enjoyment for the tradition and what it means to them.
ReplyDeleteCharity Crain
ReplyDeleteThe tradition of the St. Joseph Altars began in Sicily many centuries ago. It started when there was a series of wars, famines, and droughts. With so many horrible situations going on at once, many people began to give up hope. Once this began to happen, the people of Sicily began to pray and call upon St. Joseph to come along and offer the people hope. St. Joseph did just that. He offered the people hope. The fava bean was found and then used as a way to feed the leftover cattle. The people of Sicily even believed that he blessed them with rain. Once the rain began to rain on the island once again, the people of Sicily decided it was time to praise St. Joseph for his work. The people not only created a feast, but an altar as well. The altar recognizes the three symbols of Thanksgiving, Promise, and Petition. These symbols were believed to be characteristics of St. Joseph. By documenting St. Joseph’s altars, it might play a role in the promotion of a just and humane society by showing off the characteristics of St. Joseph. People could learn how to appreciate what they have due to the Sicilians ways of appreciating the fava bean. The Sicilians also came together to help one another throughout the hard time they were all going through. The devotion that the Sicilians had towards showing thanks to St. Joseph transformed into a yearly thing and then into a tradition. However, the tradition does not receive the same amount of attention it once did in the past. Although there are advertisements in newspapers about the showcases of different St. Joseph altars, many people do not attend. Hopefully all of this will change, and all of us will live in a just and humane society thanks to the help of St. Joseph.
During the late nineteenth-century to the early twentieth-century, Sicilians brought the St. Joseph’s Altars, a tradition of Thanksgiving, to America. The tradition started in Sicily because there was a catastrophic drought that caused crops to fail, people to starve and cattle to die of thirst. In the mist of this drought the Sicilians directed their prayers to Saint Joseph, asking for the relief of famine. From putting their faith in Saint Joseph they were rewarded with the fava bean, which was used as food for the cattle, was able to be grown in the bone-dry ground. The fava bean became a symbol of hope to the Sicilians. Finally rain returned and the Sicilians had a feast of thanksgiving in honor of Saint Joseph, which is usually celebrated on the 19th day of March.
ReplyDeleteMajority of the Sicilian immigrants settled in south Louisiana because its climate was similar and they were recruited as workers for sugarcane plantations. The Sicilians brought their “strong ethic; a connectedness to the land with an appreciation for its bounty; their creativity, especially through food as art; their strong sense of family, and, like their ancestors, they were sustained by their gift of faith”. (2-3 Juneau) The tradition became firmly established in many celebrations in Louisiana by the 1920’s. In the French Quarter in New Orleans, altars were being displayed in restaurants owned by Sicilian families and in stores display windows.
Documenting these altars play a role in the promotion of a just and humane society by symbolizing obedience, patience, determination, kindness and thankfulness. The people that built these altars were patient and determined to worship Saint Joseph in order to receive as their blessing if they were obedient and stay faithful to him. When they received their blessing (rain) they were thankful. The Sicilians showed their kindness by welcoming them to join their feast for Saint Joseph.
Mahalia Dees
ReplyDeleteThe tradition of St. Joseph alters might play a role in promoting a just and humane society because of its history. The custom originated in Sicily, an Italian island where bread and flour was a staple in their diet. They would have some type of bread with every meal of the day. Due to drought there was a famine and wheat became rationed and sold at a high price. Only the most elite in the town could afford to buy bread. The people prayed to St. Joseph, “The Protector of the Holy Family,” to bring them through this drought and famine. Families pulled together whatever they could to help each other out. When rain finally returned to the island, the people assembled an alter with their fair of freshly grown crops dedicated to St Joseph thanking him for bring them through the difficult time. They made traditional dishes and new dishes with the discovery of the fava bean, the only crop that grew well without much watering. The tradition of St. Joseph alters show that even when there is injustice in the world, when everyone pulls together they can make it through the ordeal.
Dikeyta Bowser
ReplyDeleteThe St. Joseph’s Alters can promote a just and humane society by keeping the importance and value of Family, Food, and Fun. The tradition of St. Joseph’s alters is a tradition of Thanksgiving celebration in America. St. Joseph was considered the protector of many residents of Sicily as they endured some hardships of a famine. St. Joseph alters brings into retrospect the value and morality of family and of culture shared and passed down through many generations. Due to the morality of the purpose of the altars there is intake of a humane society. The focus on material things are faded out of the minds of the participants of the altar’s as they can focus on more moral values. A just society is also a result of the altar’s due to the deliverance of more social communication and value during the tradition as families are brought together to focus on what they tend to be most thankful for. Traditionally at the alters families share in feast of many foods and popular dishes to remember the blessings of food as they struggled many years before due to drought and famine. The tradition of the altars is a lineage of the past brought into a more promising future, and gratefulness of the present.
Building Saint Joseph’s altar is a tradition brought to New Orleans from the Sicilians. The Sicilians faced a devastating drought and which they were unable to provide food for their cattle and barely enough for themselves; to end the drought they prayed to Saint Joseph. The fava bean was only plant that survived the drought so it was used for food for their cattle. Eventually Saint Joseph blessed the Sicilians with rain so when they were able that had a feast in his honor and to share their fortune with those in need. Since the Sicilians build their alter to bless those in needs it promotes the participation in a just and humane society. The altar is not only used to show gratitude, but also to help others. It is sort of a parallel between St. Joseph and the Sicilians with today’s believer and those in need; St. Joseph blessed the Sicilians in the desperate time of famine and today’s believers are to bless those in need with what they have just as St. Joseph did for the Sicilians. I have no doubt that those who Catholic and participate in building the altar of St. Joseph and other things are effected in a positive way such as helping those that they are in need.
ReplyDeleteKierra Hitchens
ReplyDeleteSt. Joseph Day Alters documentation might play a role in the promotion of a just and humane society because of what the alters represent and because of the background history involved with the alters brings St. Joseph’s Alters are a tradition of Thanksgiving, that began many years ago in Sicily. Saint Joseph’s Alter is connected to the blessings bestowed upon Sicily. Many centuries ago catastrophy struck Sicily, crops failed, cattle dyed and people starved. The faithful Sicilians prayed to Saint Joseph “Protector of the Holy Family” relief from the famine. Despite much change, the Sicilians were honored for their strong faith and the famine ended to the growth of the fava bean. To a just and humane society the story of the Sicilians relentless faith promotes Saint Joseph Alters in many ways. Saint Joseph is now honored annually every March nineteenth under the Sicilian tradition. The Alters represent Abbondanza, the abundance of Faith, Hope and Love with which the Sicilians have been blessed. This tradition is continued today and represents and provides an unbroken connection to the Sicilian’s ancestral heritage. Today the tradition has been passed on to many other cultures, including African-American and Hispanic. It would also be a promotion because it’s a prayer that brings families and friends together in a true sense of community. St. Joseph’s is a feast that brings many people together and helps with unity. Overall the altars fill one with a total sense of abbondanza, which completely connects to a just and humane society. As a naturally generous people, Sicilians fit perfectly into a just and humane society and there fore would be great for promotion.
After so many years of Sicily crops being well nourished one year struck a dramatic change. During this time the people of Sicily was deprived from food and water. As a consequence of the deprivation the citizens of Sicily put their faith in St. Joseph. St. Joseph was known to be “The Protector of the Holy Family”. The people of Sicily worshiped the idol God St. Joseph. In the time of need the people of Sicily promised to honor St. Joseph for in return to be helped with their lifeless crops. The faithful citizens built alters in their homes in respect to St. Joseph. A single fava bean was the one hope for the citizens of Sicily. This fava bean was the only bean that survived during the deprivation of the crops and the horrible famine period. As tradition shows, building a St. Joseph alter helped the people of Sicily to regain their nourished crops. The people remained faithful to the St. Joseph in order to receive their blessing of rain and they also promise to remain faithful to him after his blessings. Just like in the era of Sicily, building a St. Joseph alter can promote a more humanitarian society. The people of Sicily annually had a fest in honor of St. Joseph and invited the poor to feast with them. During the creation of this tradition, the people expressed kindness, care, love, and true fellowship. As in legend, St. Joseph is known to bring good fortune and prosperity. I hope with this community project the same experience the people of Sicily had can be fulfilled in modern times. I was happy know the history of the St. Joseph alters and to spread a helping hand in the project. I hope to continue the tradition of the St. Joseph alter.
ReplyDeleteSaint Joseph Altars is a story filled with both abundance and deprivation. The story starts off with a great famine that affected the whole island of Sicily. Crops failed, cattle were dying of thirst, and people were starving. The people were in bad shape so they prayed to St. Joseph for relief from this terrible time of despair. Even though they were in bad shape they kept with it and eventually their prayers got answered. This happened through faith. Faith is strong belief or trust in someone or something. If everyone has faith in the Lord the world would be more just and humane. If you believe there is another place you will go after life trust him and follow his commands and we will all live in a more just and humane way. Back to the story to faith the Sicilian’s survived and they began thanking St. Joseph by having a commemoration of his Feast Day. The fava bean was able to survive and grow saving cattle and people from starvation. The Sicilians fulfilled their promise to the savior, gathering their meager foods to share in a feast of thanksgiving in honor of Saint Joseph. This tradition that Americans got from the Sicilians has become about of Louisiana’s rich culture heritage. This tradition express prayer of thanksgiving brings families and friends together in a true sense of community. Bringing all these people together in a special place to share times of good with each other helps maintain and make life more just and humane. In America some people made this alters after their prayers to St. Joseph brought a family member who was in the war back home safety. They also make them after any other thing that their grateful for. St. Joseph Altars help are example of what people do after having faith and believe good things can and will happen.
ReplyDeleteThe making of St. Joseph Altars is a tradition of thanksgiving that originated in Sicily. One year during the harvest season the people of Sicily experienced a famine that killed all their crops except for the fava bean. In hopes that the drought would end, the people of Sicily prayed to St. Joseph and promised to reward him if their prayers were answered. Because the people stayed faithful to St. Joseph by continuing to pray to him, he blessed them with rain and the crops began to grow. The people of Sicily decided to have a feast in honor of St. Joseph for answering their prayers. This feast has become a tradition for the people of Sicily as well as people from all over and is celebrated every year.
ReplyDeleteConstructing these altars might play a role in promoting a just and humane society by influencing people of the same culture to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors. Working together in a time of need, helping one another to survive, and encouraging each other to be hopeful are all things that were exhibited in this tradition that would contribute to a just and humane society. The fact that everyone is invited to be a part of this tradition and not just Sicilians kind of gives me the sense that this tradition creates unity among people which is also a quality that would be found in a just and humane society.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete