did you know: christmas edition

In the Catalonia region of Spain, there is an extra figure in their nativity sets. It is located at the back of the manger, and it is a person, squatting to take a dump.
No, really.
The figure is called a "caganer". Often, they are made to look like celebrities.
The belief is that with his/her "fertile depositions" the soil of the manger will became rich and productive for the coming year. It was also believed that he "would bring good health and calm to the body and the soul". The figure is in the back of the manger because putting it up front would "show a lack of respect".

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