Origins of the Tradition

In order to achieve a successful sale, the current-owner of the property must bury a plastic statue of the saint in the yard.  Many realtors in the industry believe in the powers of this practice.  The tradition of burying the statue has varying roots.  One belief is that During the Middle Ages in Europe, nuns buried a medal of St Joseph and prayed that the saint would help their quest for a convent. 

Others believe that burying the statue originated with German carpenters.  When these carpenters built a house, they would bury a statue and say a prayer.  Clearly, there are many origin stories connected to the burial practice of St Joseph’s statue.

This tradition began in the United States during the 1980s when people would bury their statue in order to increase the speed of a sale.  It wasn’t until the 1990s where many realtors bought plastic statues of St. Joseph.   The key is to have belief in the power of the patron Saint and to follow the tradition of the burial practice.  Saint Joseph was a patient yet dedicated individual.  These are essential qualities for a seller to have in the middle of preparing for a closing.