A Catalan Christmas is like an American Christmas, just with more shit. No, no, no that’s neither an insult nor a suggestion that Catalans buy more stuff than Americans. You’ll see what I mean.
In America, Christmas has many distinct characters. Santa squeezes into the chimney and leaves presents for the good children. Rudolph leads the sleigh. The elves labor tirelessly all year long to make sure the toys are ready. Of course there is also the more religious side. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, and the nativity scene is a common decoration. Traditionally there is baby Jesus is the middle, Mary nearby, and the three kings bearing gifts. Well, Catalans have a similar nativity scene, but there is one more character. I’ll bet you can spot him.
The Bon Caganer! That’s right he’s “the good shitter” who at the moment of the son of God’s birth simply couldn’t hold it any longer. The origins of the Bon Caganer are unknown, but he’s been around for a while and has become a key figure for Christmas celebrations. Some say he was added to connect the common person to the nativity scene, as if to say, “no you won’t be the son of God, you probably won’t immaculately conceive the son of God, and, despite higher odds, you’re not gonna be one of the three kings, but hey at least you could be the guy taking a dump nearby!” Whatever the reasons Catalans love their good shitter. When he was removed from a nativity scene in order to promote the don’t pee or poo in public campaign, people immediately protested (probably by not working) and the good shitter was quickly returned to the scene.
Everyone poops: a store of caganers
The shit doesn’t stop there. The next character is Tio Nadal (Christmas Log), or more commonly Caga Tio (Shitting Log). In the American celebration stockings are laid out and on Christmas day santa fills them with little goodies and treats and then leaves the larger presents under the tree. In Cataluña the larger presents are left to the three kings, and the stocking type stuff is left to Caga Tio. However, Caga Tio needs some preparation, so before Christmas the kids feed Caga Tio every night, and cover him with a blanket to make sure he stays warm. Then on Christmas day they reap the benefit of their kind care. The kids stick the bottom half of Caga Tio in the fire place, beat him with sticks, and command “Shit Log! Shit Log! Shit Log!” then bit by bit the Caga Tio poops out candy for the children and family to share. When he’s finished he poops a garlic clove to let everyone know. I can’t help but feel a little bad for the guy. I mean being fattened up, burnt, beaten with sticks, yelled at, and expected to shit candy doesn’t sound like a reason to look forward to the holidays. Somehow, Caga Tio is always smiling - must be that Christmas spirit.
Tio Nadal / Caga Tio
I just finished my classes for the semester and am about to head off for a couple weeks of climbing in the mountains outside of Alicante. I can’t wait to get back on the rock, it’s been almost 3 weeks! I’ll be giving myself the perfect gift of challenge and exhaustion. I hope you all have wonderful holidays!
I’ll leave you with this Catalan saying, a true gem:
“Menja Bé, Caga Fort, i no Tinguis por la Mort”
Eat well, shit strong and don’t fear death
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