caganer

frogapplause commented on the word caganer

In Catalonia, as well as in the rest of Spain and in most of Italy and Southern France, traditional Christmas decorations consist of a large model of the city of Bethlehem. The decorations encompass the entire city rather than just the typical manger scene. The caganer is a particular feature of modern Catalan nativity scenes, and is also found in other parts of Spain and southwestern Europe. Accompanying Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the Shepherds and company, the caganer is often tucked away in a corner of the model, typically nowhere near the manger scene. There is a good reason for his obscure position in the display, for "caganer" translates from Catalan to English as "pooper", and that is exactly what this little statue is doing — defecating.

--Wikipedia

October 28, 2008

bilby commented on the word caganer

"Literally translated from Catalan it means 'The Shitting Man' or 'The Fertilizer'. The Caganer was a obliged figure in the Christmas Cribs of the eighteenth century since at that time was believed that with his fertile depositions the soil of the crib will became rich and productive for the coming year!

It was also believed that he would bring good health and calm to the body and the soul, which is necessary to do the crib with pride and happiness that Christmas brings at home. Putting this jolly little man in the crib used to bring luck and happiness. With the course of the time, the original personage of the shitting peasant has evolved and at present days he has been replaced with personalities increasingly famous and relevant in the Catalan, Spanish and world society!

caganer.com, cited 21 March 2009.

March 21, 2009

sionnach commented on the word caganer

Let the record show that the google ad on this page is for classes in ancient Hebrew, by "Israel's best teachers".

March 21, 2009

ruzuzu commented on the word caganer

"In 2005, the city council of Barcelona commissioned a nativity scene which did not include the region's traditional nativity figure, el caganer, a defecating character. The council claimed the character set a bad example as sanitation laws against public elimination had recently been passed. The council's decision was viewed as an attack on Catalonian tradition, and, following a campaign against it, el caganer was restored to the nativity scene in 2006."

--Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nativity_scene&oldid=469507767)

January 12, 2012