When putting a home on the market, most people will rub any magic lamp possible for luck on a good sale, no matter how silly the superstition. If a Realtor says the tradition is to pat the back door before bed every night for luck, many people will give it a shot (what does it hurt)?
But Realtors have been misled about one aspect of a popular tradition – burying a figurine or statue of St. Joseph upside down in the yard.
The tradition has been distorted
Father Richard T. Simon is the pastor at St. Lambert’s Parish in Skokie, IL and host of the “Father Simon Says” radio show on Relevant Radio. Today, he informed listeners that the tradition has been distorted over the years, and that it is not necessary to bury a figurine to bless the transaction, that it is just superstition, and the true destination should be inside the house.
St. Joseph is the husband of Mary and Father of Jesus Christ and is not only the patron saint of real estate, but of married couples, families, carpenters, and laborers. He’s a busy guy.
St. Joseph IS the patron saint of real estate
Because he is the patron saint of real estate, it is said that nuns buried a St. Joseph medallion on the property they wanted to buy and convert into a convent. There is no verification of this being the case, but that’s how the story goes.
Medals morphed into statues, and a desired property turned into a home for sale. Over the years, people began burying the figurines upside down with his feet pointing to heaven, towards the street, toward the home, or toward the “for sale” sign. Sometimes it’s buried in a flower pot, other times in the yard, and some people keep it inside the house.
When the house has sold, the owner is supposed to take the statue with them and bless their new home with it. That tradition has evolved as well.
How to actually use St. Joseph statues
Father Simon warns that superstition is not tantamount to blessings, and urges home sellers to simply place the figurine in their home which will bring blessings on the sale. But there’s no need to bury him or do any crazy voodoo.
He also asks Realtors to stop telling people to bury St. Joseph upside down in yards. Just it inside the house in a place of honor, be it the kitchen, the mantle, or otherwise. Consider this your PSA for the day, friends!
#StJoseph
Lani is the COO and News Director at The American Genius, has co-authored a book, co-founded BASHH, Austin Digital Jobs, Remote Digital Jobs, and is a seasoned business writer and editorialist with a penchant for the irreverent.
