Santons

Our usual crib scene seems to have disappeared, lent to the grandchildren apparently. So this year we will make do with our Santon figures. These figures are found in crib scenes all over southern France and are very traditional. As well as the usual nativity figures, all the other occupations of the village are represented. There is even, in the Catalan crib, a figure defecating coins. There are many interpretations of what el caganer (the defecating one) stands for, but the most popular belief is that he's fertilizing the earth to bring forth a good harvest. It's to bring good luck and abundance in the new year. Some people also think that just like a birth is natural, going to the bathroom is too, so he fits right in.

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