St Joseph's Altar: A Louisiana Tradition April 22, 2010

Visit the West Baton Rouge Museum to celebrate one of the most famous traditions of St. Joseph's Day, the beautifully decorated altars made to honor the Patron Saint of carpenters, fathers, and Sicily. These altars, which date back to the Middle Ages, are a labor of love for Sicilians, who create them to give thanks for good fortune, fulfill a promise, or share with those who are less fortunate. The Sicilians, like other immigrants to Louisiana, brought unique customs, adding to the gumbo of Louisiana's culture. One of their customs was the St. Joseph's Day Altar. Preparations for St. Joseph's Day began several weeks in advance with the baking of cookies, breads, and cakes. In addition to food, the altar often had an image or a statue of St. Joseph, home-grown flowers, candles, wheat, and palm branches. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a great Italian-American tradition.