In the Spirit of Christmas

In the spirit of Christmas, I would like to share with you a tradition Spain has around this time of year.  This tradition involves the Nativity Scenes in which every Spanish family sets up for Christmas.  If you are just joining me on this particular post, you should read some previous ones I have written about Spain and their Nativity Scenes also known as Belen's.  The citizens of Spain truly love turning the Nativity Scene into an artform and a spectacle.  I rather enjoy it because it brings awareness to the birth of Christ and not so much Santa Claus and presents.  Christmas, as we all know, started because of Baby Jesus' birth.  (Look Mom, I did learn something in CCD!)  And, I think a lot of times that is forgotten in today's day and age. 

Anyway, as mentioned, this tradition involves the Nativity Scene. In the United States, the Nativity Scene is a sacred piece of Christmas.  It is very simple.  Unlike Spain, it normally doesn't involve a full get up of the city of Bethlehem with running lights and water.  Let me refresh your memory again with a picture of the Belen in my friend Sara's house:

Also, I have never, nor would I ever, think to tamper with the Nativity Scene like my school did: 

I think my Nana would have a heart attack if she saw such a thing.  But as we all know, Spain is a VERY different world than the United States.  And I ask you to brace yourselves before you continue reading about the Spanish tradition I am about to share with you....

This ladies and gentlemen is the "caganer."  Also know as the pooping man.  And yes, you will find it in most Spanish nativity scenes. 

Why do you ask is there a pooping man in the sacred scene with Baby Jesus?  Well, it's kind of like the Where's Waldo of Spain.  It's hidden within the scene itself and you have to find it.  Once you find it, you will have good luck for the upcoming year (I think). 

And if you think that this tradition is relatively new, think again.  It has been around since the 18th century.

So there you have it, a new fact about Spain I'm betting you didn't know.  I hope you have grown wiser with this piece of information.  I wouldn't be surprised if one day this tradition made it to the United States.  Now go and find the caganer:

Merry Christmas!