St. Patrick’s Day and St. Joseph’s Day – why are they celebrated so differently?
My family and I love to celebrate holidays throughout the year. That is the whole purpose of this blog featuring food, family, fun, and films!
Not religion.
This photo was generated using AI
However, we can’t help but wonder why one saint gets more attention than the other. Could we possibly figure out a way to plan another big and bold celebration in Chicago to honor St. Joseph like we do for St. Patrick?
St. Patrick’s Day and St. Joseph’s Day
It is fascinating – and a bit frustrating – how these two holidays, with their unique histories and customs, are just two days apart on the calendar and “celebrated” in two very different ways.
St. Patrick‘s Day At a Glance
St. Patrick’s Day is on March 17th, everything turns green, there are parades, and plenty of shenanigans.
It is a worldwide celebration, especially in places with a strong Irish presence. St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, brings people together for a day of revelry and camaraderie. In Chicago, the city glows green from the depths of the Chicago River to the downtown parade.
Image by sam99929 from Pixabay
St. Joseph’s Day At a Glance
St. Joseph’s Day falls on March 19th. Yet, it seems to slip by with a lot less fanfare in the Chicago area.
This Catholic holiday has its own charm. It celebrates St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, and brings together religion, food, family, and culture.
On St. Joseph’s Day, Italian and Catholic communities celebrate with various traditional foods and activities. One iconic dessert is zeppole, a delicious pastry often filled with custard or cream.
As a side note, I recently learned zeppole are made differently on the east coast. Still a sweet treat, but without the custard and sprinkled only with powdered sugar.
Families also prepare elaborate altars adorned with bread, wine, and fava beans, representing prosperity and fertility. Also, Italian bread is braided and baked into the shape of a cross or a wreath.
This photo was generated using AI – However my father made this bread when he worked at the bakery.
Charitable acts are common on St. Joseph’s Day, reflecting St. Joseph’s role as a protector of the less fortunate. Festive processions, prayers, and communal meals enhance the celebration, creating a vibrant atmosphere of faith, family, and cultural heritage.
I went to a public high school – not a Catholic one – and was a member of the Italian Club there. We hosted a St. Joseph’s Day table at school for anyone who wanted to partake. It was a lot of fun and, from what I could tell, everyone loved it.
Pope Pius XII introduced the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker in 1955 as a second way to honor him. Celebrated on May 1st, to acknowledge St. Joseph’s role as a carpenter and provider for his family, recognizing the dignity of labor.
New Orleans Does St. Joseph’s Day Right
Being of Italian descent, I would love to see St. Joseph’s Day celebrated in Chicago in a similar way St. Patrick’s Day is. I am not saying we need to dye the Chicago River red – or should we?
Imagine we celebrated St. Joseph’s Day like they do in New Orleans! There, the Italian-American community pulls out all the stops with grand processions, elaborate altars, and lively street celebrations. It is a vibrant display of Italian culture and traditions, showcasing the spirit of St. Joseph in all its glory. That sounds so amazing.
What Do You Think?
As someone who appreciates cultural richness and community spirit, I would love to see people look forward to the festivities for both St. Patrick’s Day and St. Joseph’s Day every March.
You May Also Like
- This cupcake cake is a special dessert you can serve for Easter with the cupcakes strategically placed to look like a cross.
- Given that both of these holidays happen during Lent, here is a list of meatless meals to make.
- If you need some fun activities for the holidays, I have several printables available for instant download in my Etsy shop.
