Nativity scenes in Catalonia include a special character not found in nativity sets elsewhere. This guy is known as the caganer and is a beloved part of a Catalan Christmas. The caganer is traditional a Catalan peasant with a red hat and vest or sash doing his business in some outlying part of the scene. Modern times have brought us pooper figurines depicting anyone reasonably famous from the Pope to President Obama to Albert Einstein and the Queen of England. Why would anyone want a dude taking a dump in their nativity scene? Well, traditional interpretations say that it is a recognition of the fertilizer needed to make a successful new year's growth and harvest. He also reminds us that at some level, everyone is equal, no one is immune to the trials and tribulations of the physical body. Ultimately, the caganer reminds us that the cycle of growth, elimination and decay continues - a very earthy message in this sometimes all to celestial time of year.
For more information and a fantastic drawing check out
Paul Bommer's 2010 Advent calendar or this
Spanish website or the
Secret Forest blog, where I got these awesome images. Bring a caganer into your own life with any one of
these awesome paper cut outs. My favorite is the simple paper doll like one at the very bottom. Bon Nadal!
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