San José is a classic example of the tailoring of an image to meet
Counter-Reformation needs. The seed of his cult took root during the
time of Luther when the Catholic Church was searching for new heroes.
Previous to this period, Saint Joseph had almost been ignored, but to
appeal to the mood of the times, the Church rejuvenated the saint.
Once shown as an old man entrusted with the guardianship of Mary,
Saint Joseph was now interpreted as much younger, for only in the
prime of life, the Church argued, could he have been able to properly
care for and protect Mary.
Saint Joseph is always shown in a green robe with a yellow mantle, the
colors of new life, marriage and fertility. He is portrayed as a man
filled with human tenderness and rarely deviates from his traditional
pose of standing, holding the Child and a flowering staff, and wearing
a crown. The attribute of the staff symbolizes his purity.
Saint Joseph is the patron for protection at death, the family, of
husbands, carpenters and those seeking a home.