I enjoyed the Krampus beer yesterday and learning more about the Christmas Krampus. Since then I've done some more research and learned about an even odder European Christmas tradition. The Caganer is a part of many manger scenes along with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus, wise men, shepherds and angels. Who is he? As near as I can determine, the name translates as the pooper and he is the guy taking a dump in the stable or somewhere in the nativity scene.
(Sometimes the adults hide him and let the kids find him -- kind of like a game of "Where's Waldo Pooping"?) Although this one at a Spanish mall is not hard to find.
And this is not a new thing, the caganer has been around since the 17th century. There are lots of theories as to why he gained a place in this sacred scene -- everything from he's fertilizing the earth to a demonstration that we're all equal (cuz everybody poops).
You can also get little statues of famous people pooping to decorate your home at the holidays.
You can get presidents and popes pooping.
Even reigning royalty
This may seem odd to people like us who did not grow up with this style of Christmas decoration. But I think it's a great family tradition.
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