Caganer facts for kids
A Caganer (pronounced "ka-ga-NER") is a small statue that appears in nativity scenes in Catalonia and other nearby areas that share Catalan culture. These areas include Andorra, Valencia, and Northern Catalonia in southern France. While most popular there, you can also find Caganers in parts of Spain (like Murcia), Portugal, and southern Italy (Naples).
The name "El Caganer" literally means "the pooper." Traditionally, the statue shows a farmer wearing a red cap called a barretina. His trousers are down, showing his bare bottom, as if he is pooping.
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What is a Caganer?
The Caganer is a unique and very popular part of Christmas nativity scenes in Catalonia. It's believed to have become part of these scenes in the late 1600s or early 1700s. A famous expert on traditions, Joan Amades, called it a very important and well-loved figure in the nativity scene.
You can also find similar figures in other parts of southwestern Europe. These include Murcia in Spain, Naples in Italy, and Portugal.
Nativity Scenes in Catalonia
In Catalonia, and in many parts of Spain, Italy, and Southern France, Christmas decorations often include a large model of the city of Bethlehem. This is similar to the nativity scenes you might know, but it shows the whole city, not just the manger where Jesus was born.
This model, called a pessebre, often looks like a countryside scene. It might feature a traditional Catalan farmhouse (a masia) with the baby Jesus inside. Other parts of the scene can show:
- A washerwoman by a river.
- A woman spinning thread.
- Shepherds guiding their sheep or walking towards the manger with gifts.
- The Three Wise Men riding camels.
- An angel with shepherds.
- The star pointing the way.
People often use materials like moss for grass and cork for mountains to make these scenes look real.
Where to Find the Caganer
The Caganer is usually hidden in a corner of the model. It's typically not placed near the manger scene itself. A fun tradition in Catalonia is for children to search for and find the hidden Caganer figure.
Why is the Caganer There?
People have different ideas about why a pooping figure is included in a scene that is considered special and holy. Here are some common explanations:
- Good Luck and Fertility: Many believe the Caganer is fertilizing the Earth. This means it helps the ground of the nativity scene become rich and ready for the next year. It's thought to bring good luck and happiness for the coming year. Not having one might bring bad luck.
- Making Everyone Equal: Many modern Caganers look like famous people, athletes, or politicians. By showing them with their pants down, the Caganer makes powerful people seem more ordinary. It's a way to show that everyone, no matter how important, is just a regular person.
- Cultural Tradition: Some experts say that this kind of figure, even if it seems a bit silly, can actually make a special scene feel even more connected to everyday life. It's a unique part of Catalan culture.
Is it Accepted?
The Catholic Church in the areas where the Caganer is popular generally accepts this tradition. While most people like it, not every nativity scene in Catalonia includes the figure.
Other Similar Traditions
The Caganer isn't the only pooping character in Catalan Christmas traditions. Another one is the Tió de Nadal, which is a log that "poops" gifts.
You can also find similar figures in other European cultures:
- In France, there's Père la Colique ("Father Colic").
- In Murcia, Spain, they are called cagones.
- In Naples, Italy, they are known as cacone or pastore che caca.
- In Portugal, they are called cagões.
Old vs. New Caganers
The traditional Caganer looks like a Catalan farmer or shepherd. He wears a red stocking cap called a Barretina with a black band. Since the late 1970s, Caganers of traditional Catalan women have also been made.
Over the years, the Caganer tradition has changed a lot. Besides the traditional farmer, you can now easily find Caganers shaped like:
- Nuns
- Devils
- Santa Claus
- Celebrities
- Athletes
- Historical figures
- Politicians
Where to Buy Caganers
Caganers are easiest to find before Christmas at holiday markets. For example, the market in front of the Barcelona Cathedral has many stalls selling them. Every year, new figures are created, and some people even collect them. There's even a group called "Els Amics del Caganer" (Friends of the Caganer) that publishes a newsletter and has featured Caganers in art shows.
