Catalonia, Spain
Are you sitting down? You might want to. This Catalonian tradition is better understood from a squatting position.
The people of Catalonia, an autonomous region in eastern Spain, have a distinct language, unique foods, pageantry, and traditions.
One cultural phenomenon unique to Catalonia is the Caganer (the Shitter).
Every Christmas, Catalans display the Nativity scene in their homes. Mixed in with Mary, Joseph, the Baby Jesus, the Three Wise Men, and the animals, is a little ceramic man squatting and pooping.
The Caganer has been a central part of Catalan Christmas since the late 17th century.
According to Caganer.com (yes, they have a website), “with his poop, the Shitter is nourishing the ground of the Nativity scene to make the next year’s harvest better.” The website goes on to say; “Putting the Shitter in the Nativity scene brings luck and happiness, not putting it in brings misfortune.”
Catalan parents hide the Caganer in different positions in the Nativity scene each evening. When children wake in the morning, they rush to the display and try to find the squatting peasant.
Aaron and Emma were in Barcelona on their honeymoon this fall. One of their priorities was to visit the Caganer workshop.
The traditional figure is a Catalan peasant with a red cap, but Aaron and Emma had a wide selection to choose from. There are celebrity Caganers, as well as politicians, sports stars and cartoon characters, each with their own pooping figure.
Royals and the Pope are not exempt.
Aaron and Emma brought a Caganer home and presented it to us as a pre-Christmas gift. We anticipate a prosperous New Year with the Shitter installed in our Christmas décor.
Bear and I wish all of you a Happy, Prosperous, and Wonder-Filled Holiday Season. It has been a great privilege to share life’s journey with you this year.
I enjoy presenting our story through WellWaterBlog. Facts, with a generous portion of …
.. Caganer.
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Millie
I’m sorry Al and I missed this tradition when we went to Spain and Majorca in 1980 on our Honeymoon in Feb/March. I’m sure Al would have had something to say!
Russ Paton
Yes, just far enough off the path for Al to appreciate… Have a Happy Holiday Season. We will swing by in the New Year on the way to the cabin.
Emma
We are glad you have your shitter prominently displayed for a fertile new year! We have ours displayed in the same hopes haha
Russ Paton
Thank you! An irreverent Christmas! Should be fun!