Caganers and Cagatíos for Christmas!

Looking for a new eclectic Christmas tradition. Try celebrating the holiday the Catalan way by getting a caganer and a cagatío (sh*tter and uncle sh*t). So what is this scatalogical tradition about, you say puzzled? Well, the Catalans place the first figure in their nativity scene and the second one under their tree.



The caganer is an important part of their crèche scene. He is placed in the corner all the way to the left or to the right and far behind the main action featuring the madonna and child and three magi kings, so as to be as discreet as possible. The figure (el caganer) has his pants down, is depicted bent over and defecating. The action is seen clearly. Apparently this addition to the nativity came about originally in the Catalan farming community. You had to have one to ensure a profitable crop the following year. Later on, the caganer spread throughout Catalunya. In families, move it's precise location daily and children have fun trying to find the spot where he is hiding. Nowadays the caganer is actually famous people, including Queen Elizabeth II or Barack Obama in recent years.

The Caga Tío is more recent and a family ritual in Catalunya. It is the form of a log and goes under the Christmas tree. On Christmas, the children crowd around the Uncle/Log who proceeds to sh*t sweets, chocolates, candies and many other little gifts for their delight. Sometimes kids also hit it with a stick piñata style to get it to defecate quicker. This tradition is a must for all Catalan families. Perhaps you might want to consider adopting it?