Caga Tios and Caganers

-The Caga Tío-

Walking around the city it is hard to ignore the logs of varying sizes with little faces and red hats hanging about in shop windows. Do you want a mini log the size of your little finger? Or, perhaps you would prefer one the size of your thigh? Well, you are in luck because they just so happen to come in every shape and size you can dream of!

Some of the various sizes of the Tios

However, it is not the size of the logs, or the fact that they have a little red felt hat reminiscent of Santa's (the traditional Catalan barretina). Nor is it of consequence that they have four little branches as legs or overly excited smiles on  their faces. It is the fact that these little creatures, these Tíos, come from the woods of the Catalan countryside looking for a warm home, love and tender care for several weeks in December. It gets cold here in Catalunya and everyone, even Caga Tíos, need to keep warm.
They come unexpectedly. You may hear a knock on the door, or a tap on the window. You may wake in the morning to find him hanging out in the kitchen or relaxing in el salón. However and whenever he arrives, you must know that you need to care for him. Even in your warm home, he could develop a slight chill, so it is best if you cover him with a little blanket. You also (of course), have to leave him food each night, which he will devour when you are not looking. Naturally, Caga Tíos are as distinct as humans, so you will have to try various foods until you find his favorites. Some have a tendency for sweets like turrón, while others crave something on the healthier side like rice or clementines (it is still up for debate how they manage to peel them if they have no fingers).
Although it may take some coaxing and a bit of work on your part, he must eat. He must eat, because the more he eats, the better and larger gifts he will poop out on Christmas Day. His name, after all, translates to "Pooping Uncle" or "Pooping Guy."
El Tío needs some persuasion to do the deed on the 25th of December, so the children of the household tap on his back while singing a song. An adult in the room will eventually decide to take a peek under the Tío's blanket and discover that, lo and behold, he has pooped out gifts and treats for everyone in the family!

Tios with Catedral de Santa Eulalia in the background

-The Caganer-

Also hard to ignore is the Caganer. Pronounced "caga NAY," this little statue is also partaking in the same deed as the Tío. Frozen in time and squatting forever over a little pile of poop. This figure is also present during the Christmas season and is most typically hidden somewhere within the nativity scene.

Shelves and shelves of Caganers
in any shape, size and form you desire

The most traditional image is of a man squatting with his pants down to his knees wearing traditional Catalan dress along with the red barretina (the same red hat as Caga Tío). But do not fret, you can easily find a Caganer in the shape of your favorite someone- Princess Kate, various U.S. presidents, Homer Simpson, the Catalan president, Spiderman and, of course, any soccer player from Barca. The list goes on and on.

Several hundred years old, this tradition is not only found in Catalunya, but in Murcia (a region south of Catalunya, but not directly), Portugal and Naples (I hope I don't have to explain where the last two are located). There are several different interpretations of this relic, but the most common are:
-Humanity within the mysterious- The position of the Caganer hidden in the nativity scene is meant to contrast the spiritual birth of Jesus and make it a more human experience.
-The cycle of life- It is also thought to be a symbol of human vulnerability and our union with nature. What his body is rejecting is, in turn, useful to the earth.
-Luck- His droppings could be understood as a sign of abundance for the coming year. Good luck, happiness, productivity and wealth to look forward to!

A giant Caganer, that you couldn't miss
even if you tried

While the Tío is a great exercise of the rewards of careful, steadfast work and the Caganer could bring perspective and help fuel dreams and aspirations for the coming year, I can't seem to overcome the slight embarrassment of seeing someone do what should be done behind closed doors. On second thought, as a gift for my first Christmas in Catalunya maybe I will get a Caganer (that will be well hidden and left in his own privacy. And don't expect to find him!) and the smallest version of the Tio (which maybe I could coax out a Hershey's Kiss if I start now).