Then, after all the children played for a while...
We examined some of the things laid out on the table and shared ideas about their symbolism.
In the center on the table was our now-traditional "flowering staff of St. Joseph", which recalled the legend that Joseph was selected to be Mary’s husband after his staff “blossomed” as a sign from God that He had chosen Joseph for this responsibility.
My helper decided to encircle the flowering staff in "12 fish" (cut from gluten free tortillas) since shaped bread are traditional to St. Joseph tables as is serving 12 fish to represent the 12 apostles.
My helper decided to encircle the flowering staff in "12 fish" (cut from gluten free tortillas) since shaped bread are traditional to St. Joseph tables as is serving 12 fish to represent the 12 apostles.
Gluten-free and regular fig cookies had simple pictures cut into them, since pastries with fig in the shape of monstrances, chalices, crosses, doves, lambs, fish, Bibles, and hearts are common to St. Joseph tables.
Honeyed pasta with seasoned bread crumbs sprinkled on top, represented the sawdust of St. Joseph, the carpenter.
The remainder of the tortillas were laid out in a design (instead of being cut into symbolic shapes like lilies, sandals, a ladder, a saw, a hammer, a nail, a cane or staff to remind us of St. Joseph; a cross, palms, or wreaths or crowns to remind us of Jesus; or artichokes, grapes, and twists, which are also traditional to st. Joseph tables.)
Near them were chick peas, because we did not have any fava beans, but wanted to recall how they are known as “Lucky Beans", since legend has it that you will never be broke as long as you carry three fava beans and a myth tells how, during a famine in Sicily, the poor began to prepare beans fed to cattle (fava beans) for themselves, and, thus, we able to survive.
Near them were chick peas, because we did not have any fava beans, but wanted to recall how they are known as “Lucky Beans", since legend has it that you will never be broke as long as you carry three fava beans and a myth tells how, during a famine in Sicily, the poor began to prepare beans fed to cattle (fava beans) for themselves, and, thus, we able to survive.
Breadsticks, grapes, and other fruit - all traditional to St. Joseph tables - were also out, with the fruit reminding us of the fruit that can come if we say "yes" to God's will as St. Joseph did.
There was also more fruit, grape juice (reminiscent of traditional wine), and tuna dish (to remind us of the 12 fish and their symbolism).
Since we had no lilies, pink carnations substituted and were put out with images of St Joseph and a brief biography of him.
Once we had chatted about these things (with patient children ready to dig in to eat - instead of just talk - about the food!), we had the children exercise just a bit more patience by stepping outside, and, then, reenacting Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the angels, and the saints coming to knock on the door.
We felt so blessed to celebrate with friends from our local Catholic homeschool community, and hope this look back hopes you plan forward - as it is doing for me.
I am looking forward to a just-planned gathering for the feast day tomorrow.
If you'd like other ideas, feel free to take a peek at our past St. Joseph food and fun by clicking through the photos below.
Enjoy a St. Joseph Table with Friends
However you observe St. Joseph's day, may your day be filled with grace and beauty!
St. Joseph, pray for us.
