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Detailed nativity scene with the Holy Family, an ox, a donkey, sheep, a lantern and Bethlehem under the star. A relaxing page, free as a PDF.
Printable sheet
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Download PDFPrintMary praying and Joseph with his staff beside baby Jesus in the manger, an ox, a donkey, sleeping sheep, a lantern, a jug and Bethlehem under the star.
Use earthy browns for the stable wood and save yellow for the star and lantern.
Set up a small nativity at home and look for figures that come from different countries.
People who build elaborate manger scenes in Spain are called belenistas, and many towns hold contests for them.
A detailed nativity scene like this one, with the ox, the donkey and the sheep, is the heart of the manger displays found in homes all over Spain. In Catalonia, though, families tuck one very unusual figure somewhere off to the side: the caganer.
The caganer is a little peasant in a traditional red Catalan cap, crouched down and, to put it politely, answering nature's call. He is placed in a hidden corner of the scene, far from the stable, and kids love hunting for him. The figure has been part of Catalan nativity tradition for centuries.
Nobody knows for certain why he is there, but the most common explanation is that he stands for the fertility of the land, since what he leaves behind enriches the soil for next year's harvest. Others see him as a reminder that everyone, no matter how important, is equal.
Today caganers are made in the likeness of athletes, politicians and celebrities and are sold at holiday markets. Catalonia has another quirky custom too: the tió, a smiling log wearing the same red cap. Kids feed it through December, and on Christmas Eve they tap it with sticks while singing so it will drop sweets and small gifts.
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