'Pooping Peasant' Popular In Spain Christmas Scene

When you see a traditional Christmas nativity scene, you expect to see the Virgin Mary, the three kings and maybe even some sheep. One thing you certainly don't expect is a smartly dressed peasant squatting behind a rock flashing his rear-end.

But that is exactly what you'll see in nativity scenes in Spain's northeastern Catalonia region. The statuettes are known as "El Caganer", which translates to the great pooper, and are found in increasing numbers each year throughout Spain.

The theme has played an important role in the region's Christmas festivities over the years. For example, during the holiday season, pastry shops around the Catalonia region also sell sweets shaped like feces.

It seems the tradition dates back to the 17th century, when they say defecation was associated with fertility and health.

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