In Josefina Aguilar’s small, almost-traditional clay Nativity the Biblical characters are dressed for their time period. The exceptions are the shepherd with his lamb and the Oaxacan peasant women bearing various products typical of the area. Joseph holds a lily. This flower symbolizes “purity”, but in Joseph’s case it is also an indication of the apocryphal story of how he was chosen to be the husband of the Virgin. All unmarried men were required by law to bring their rods/staffs to the temple, with the understanding that the rod which blossomed overnight would indicate the chosen bridegroom. Yes, it was Joseph’s. Another story says that a dove landed on Joseph’s staff, and in some Nativities he is shown holding a staff with a dove on the top. In this scene, however, the angel holds a dove. (purchased in Ocotlán from the artist, March, 1988)