In Catalonia, Spain as well as in the rest of the country (and throughout much of Italy), traditional Christmas decorations include a large model of the city of Bethlehem. This are similar to Nativity scenes popular throughout the English-speaking world but show the entire city rather than just the manger scene. These scenes include the caganer who is often tucked away in a corner of the model, typically nowhere near the manger scene. The reason for his position relates to the direct translation of "caganer" which is Catalan for "pooper". Yes and that is exactly the little statue is doing; defecating.
Suggested reasons for this traditional excreting man being included in the religious scene include:
* Tradition
* Humor
* The game of "Finding the Caganer"
* The Caganer, by creating feces, is fertilizing the Earth
* The Caganer represents the equality of all people. After all, regardless of status, race, or gender, everyone defecates.
* The idea that God will manifest when s/he is ready, whether human beings are ready or not.
* The caganer reinforces that Jesus is God in human form. And that includes all the bodily functions.
Of course, you can now purchase Caganers that look like the rich and famous. See Caganer.com
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