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I noticed that many nativity scenes present Joseph with a staff (in many cases a shepherd's staff). What was the original basis for this portrayal?

This answer is less concerned with the origin of the staff but suggests that it was a symbol of authority, suitable for a descendant of David, and was used in early stories as part of a miraculous sign.

Also, was the use of a shepherd's staff an original (or very early) conception, perhaps again relating to David, or a later change, perhaps a confusion with the staffs of the shepherds in nativity scenes?

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In the Luke account, Joseph and Mary had just walked about 60 miles from Nazareth to the Jerusalem suburbs (Bethlehem is about 5 miles away.) The countryside is hilly, and there are some dangerous places too.

Personally, if I'm walking more than a mile or so, I'm going to take a stick. And, if I've got a pregnant girl I need to protect, I'm doubly sure I'm going to have a stick. Theology aside, this would be a very practical thing to take on a long walk in a dangerous area.

As an artist, if I'm trying to remind people that Joseph was on a journey, this would b a very simple shorthand for conveying that imagery.

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  • I cannot see how this answers the question. – BYE Jan 1 '15 at 16:34
  • He asks why Joseph had a staff. I'm giving a "It was practical" answer. – Affable Geek Jan 1 '15 at 16:35
  • @ Yultide Geek AS I read the question it is more along the lines of why the staff is portrayed in art than, was that a reasonable depiction. Or in other words why would it be depicted in a peaceful scene. – BYE Jan 1 '15 at 16:39
  • Because the artist would be seeking to remind people Joseph was on a journey – Affable Geek Jan 1 '15 at 16:43
  • Possibly that could be. – BYE Jan 1 '15 at 17:01

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