Caganer Fever!
December 8th, 2008In every Catalan navity scene there is a figure taking a dump behind the Baby Jesus. It is called the Caganer or “shitter.” It is often made in the likeness of a celebrity or world leader.
I first heard of Caganers on my favorite television program, QI (which makes Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me look like it’s taking a dump by comedy-panel-quiz-show comparison despite often featuring my hero Paula Poundstone.)
Take it away, Stephen Fry—
The UK Telegraph presents a slide show of this year’s crop.
This all was confirmed by college chum Mo, who picked up not only the caganer but the Caga Tió as a part of her personal Christmas traditions on a trip to Catalonia.
Catalan children beat presents out of a pooping log on Christmas with sticks—where has our American Christmas spirit gone?
December 9th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I notice Cataluños still like to paint black people’s lips pink, regardless of actual appearance.
Thank you, Mo, for bringing this tradition to my attention.
Speaking of Mos, do you think Mo Rocca is the Alan Davies of WWDTM, or does Ms. Poundstone hold that honor? Nobody on the radio show shows up for every single episode, but in terms of comically low scorings, MR & PP beat all.
December 9th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Fry and Davies could take down all of WWDTM with ease, but then they add a Jo Brand or David Mitchell or dig out a long lost American like sniget’s own Rich Hall and the powerhouse is pretty unstoppable. Plus facts. I love facts.
December 9th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Also recommended is the sadly ended I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue radio show. Many fo the guests were also later on QI. Two of the regulars created Bananaman. Stick with the more recent (read last 10 years) of shows. Fry is on some as well.
http://modernangel.org/isihac/
December 18th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
And the David Mitchell hosted raio series “The Unbelievable Truth”
http://www.spannerwercs.co.uk/unbelievable_truth/index.htm