In this article, I present the tradition of Caga Tiocelebrated in Catalonia at Christmas time. Children love it!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of this strange local tradition
- Where does this celebration come from?
- Christmas traditions linked to Caga Tió
- And much more!
If you're looking for information on the Caga Tio, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Caga Tio: article summary
Caga Tio, a disguised log that gives presents?
If you come to spend Christmas in Barcelonayou'll see the city in a whole new light. With its omnipresent street decorations and illuminations, Christmas markets and the storefronts remodeled for the occasion, Barcelona is wonderful.
In Catalonia, this festival is accompanied by unusual traditionsthe best known of which is the Caga Tió or Tió de Nadal. Literally, Caga Tió means Uncle/character who shits (It's as much a part of Catalan folklore as our Christmas tree.
I'll tell you what it's all about!
How to make a caga tio?
Caga Tió is similar to a log or trunk of woodabout 30 cm long. It is installed in every Catalan home and dressed up in a Catalan beret (the barretina(usually red with a black stocking), and adorned with a cheerful smile, a pair of eyes and a nose.
This incongruous figure stands in the living room from December 8 (for the Immaculate Conception). It then becomes a full-fledged member of the family, and must be fed. Why should we do this? Because if he's treated well, he's the one who chiera on the morning of December 25th!
To protect the Caga Tió to keep out the cold, we cover it with a blanket under which parents hide presents for their toddlers. The children bring him fruit, water, juice and other foodstuffs in the hope of being rewarded on Christmas Day!
The a fun traditionwhich is very popular and practiced in Catalonia, starting with the choice of a pretty Caga Tio on the city's Christmas marketsfor those who don't already have one at home.
The origins of Caga Tio
Initially, half of the piece of wood was placed on the table. in the chimney. He was then encouraged to defecate the gifts, by beating him with a stick. This was the occasion to heat the house, in a ritual that brought the family together, before the ashes of the log were scattered in the fields.
If today, gifts can be valuablesIn the past, Caga Tió only offered sweets and other small gifts.
Nowadays, most Catalans don't have a fireplace, and this tradition has changed. However, the it lives on in every household and it's accompanied by the songs we all know, which I'd like to introduce to you.
The famous song to sing for gifts
As a rule, the little ones gather in a room to recite poems, while the parents prepare the gifts and place them under the blanket.
When the toddlers come to the salon, they surround Caga Tio and hit him singing one of the many song variations dedicated to the occasion. Here's one of them:
"Caga tió , avellanes i torrons (livre nous du Turon), no caguis arengades (don't shit herrings), que són massa salades (which are far too salty), caga torrons que són més bons (but turon, much better), Caga tió, avellanes i torrons (livre nous du Turon), si no vols cagar et donaré un cop de bastó, ben fort, ben fort... (if you don't want to shit, I'll beat you with sticks, very strong, very strong...)". Â
There are from numerous variations of this song, learned at school and well known to all Catalan children.
It's vulgar, and therefore very popular with children! They take as much pleasure in choosing the log, maintaining it during the month of December, as they do in hitting the wood and threatening it...!
Caga Tio and Caganer: two elements of Catalan folklore linked to poo
Catalans seem to be quite fond of excrement in their traditions...! Indeed, in addition to this friendly Caga Tio, another element of local folklore is related to poop.
Visit Caganer (chieur) is a kind of santon, shown defecating. They are found in nurseries in private homes. Or on the Place Saint JaumeIt is often hidden away in a corner, behind the more traditional figures of Mary and Joseph. He is often hidden in a corner, behind the more classical figures of Mary and Joseph.
Originally, it represented a farmer. It's possible to relate his posture to fertilizing the earth and obtaining good harvests.
Nowadays, all personalities the most famous have their Caganer. You'll see local and international stars and fictional characters - Messi, Yoda, Trump, Picasso, Mario, Gollum, or even politician Carles Puidgemont (a bestseller) - in this unusual position.
By visiting Barcelona in Decemberyou won't be able to miss them. Enjoy to spot familiar facesFrench celebrities are not spared!
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