A few years ago a friend who is now a priest told me about an interesting Nativity scene figure. He's called the "caganer." Ever heard of him? Most Americans have not. He is most popular in northern Spain and southern France and in Latin American countries. He is a little, red-capped fellow, squatting in an inconspicuous corner of the scene, and he is - well - "relieving" himself. The point being that when Jesus came among us as a man he entered all that being human entails - warts and all.The caganer is also a reminder to us not to be caught off guard when Jesus returns. Even the blind were able to recognize the healing power of Christ when he was among them. We who have eyes to see, ought - and not get caught with our pants down!
4 comments:
Father, I am definitely not as well versed in Spanish tradition and culture as I thought. This must have been something my ancestors forgot to bring with them when they left Spain.
Maria, I didn't believe it when I was first told of it. But, when I looked it up it turns out to be legit. Southern France, Catalonia and Italy seem to be the main employers of the caganer. He hasn't made it into my set yet!
Fr. Austin,
I'm not anticipating adding it to my set either. I did a some other surfing the other night and discovered that world leaders are trendy, modern-day versions of the little Caganer fellow.
The things people find amusing, boggles the mind, doesn't it?
My Italian ancestors did not pass this little gem on to me either. I understand its purpose, but it does seem a bit tasteless. I will not be adding this next year! :-)
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