Christmas Traditions: Caga Tió
Caga Tió starts popping up in Catalan markets at the beginning of December: A log with a drawn-on face, with a big smile, and a jaunty red hat. The log is placed in a central part of the home, often the dining table.
Around the same time, store shelves begin to be filled with turrón, a nougat traditionally made of egg white, honey or sugar, and almonds. They're fashioned into rectangles or cakes, and served in bite-sized pieces. These are Caga Tió’s favorite things to eat. Each night, a turrón would be left for him to eat while the household is sleeping.
Finally, on December 24th, a blanket is placed over Caga Tió, the children in the home sing a lively song while hitting the log with a stick.
Caga Tió, (Poop log)
Tió de Nadal, (Log of Christmas)
No caguis arengades (Don't poop salted herring)
Que són massa salads (They are too salty)
Caga turróns (Poop turróns)
Que són més bons! (They are much better!)
The children are then sent to another room to pray. When they return, the blanket is removed to see if it as “pooped” out candy for them to eat.
The origins of this tradition are hazy, but it is believed that during the Pagan mid-winter festivities, families would choose a large tree trunk to burn in a bonfire. They would honor it as Tió de Nadal. At some point it evolved into families adopting a log from the woods, covering it with a blanket, and caring for it inside until it was time for Tió to repay the kindness. The connection of the log to turrón seems to be one of convenience.
*This shopping mall doesn't have a lot of active stores right now, but the parking lot does still have traffic. Be aware of your surroundings and adhere to the drive lanes for your safety.