Why is St. Joseph always portrayed as holding lilies?

[Ave Maria]

Hi everyone. Why is St. Joseph always portrayed as holding lilies?

 

[Davidnic]

Several reasons. Purity is one. His, and his guardianship of Mary.

But mostly it comes from what is called a "Pius legend" when they called all the eligible men to see who would marry Mary, Joseph felt himself either too old, being a widower and having other children from a previous marriage, or not worthy (depends on the source) and did not go. They had all the men lay their staffs upon the ground and waited for a sign but none happened. They found out Joseph was not there and when he came and laid his staff upon the ground it sprouted Lilies as a sign from God that he was the chosen husband of Mary.

That is from an apocryphal text called "The Legend of Joseph the Carpenter" although not held as dogma or necessary for the faith or required, it influenced the depictions of Joseph in art.

 

[Cosmic Charlie]

Why is St. Joseph always portrayed as holding lilies?

Because if you're an fallen human male married to a unfallen human female its a sure thing that you're going to be a constant and ungoing disappointment to your wife.

Flowers are always a good peace offering.

 

[Davidnic]

Why is St. Joseph always portrayed as holding lilies?

Because if you're an fallen human male married to a unfallen human female its a sure thing that you're going to be a constant and ungoing disappointment to your wife.

Flowers are always a good peace offering.

Flowers are good no matter what hi Charlie.

 

[colleen]

Why is St. Joseph always portrayed as holding lilies?

Because if you're an fallen human male married to a unfallen human female its a sure thing that you're going to be a constant and ungoing disappointment to your wife.

Flowers are always a good peace offering.

Lol!!!!!!