Since the 18th century, Catalonia residents celebrated Christmas in a unique way.
Literally translated from Catalan, it means "the Great Shitter" or "the Fairy Fertilizer". He appears in the Christmas Nativity scenes, and it was said his fertile deposits in the manger would make you rich and productive for the coming to year, as well as good health and a calm soul. To put this jolly little shitting man in the crib brings luck and happiness!
Originally he was presented as a traditional Catalin peasant boy squatting with his trousers down. Since the 1940's the figurine has taken on new looks, including politicians, celebrities, and even the pope. "The practice is tolerated by the local Catholic church. Caganers are easiest to find before Christmas in holiday markets, like the one in front of the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, which has tables and tables of caganers."
My favorite explanation of the tradition is that the Caganer represents equality in all men (including Jesus) and that we all have to shit! Talk about humility.
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