Tio de Nadal is the famous Christmas log that children across the world are absolutely crazy about. Read on to know all the customs associated with Tio de Nadal.
Tio de Nadal
You must have seen the images of Tio de Nadal. This Christmas figure is made from a dead long log and has a smiling face painted on it to make it look like a real character. It is accessorized based on the creativity and is presented in a striking manner. The Christmas log is often loved by the children and is given food and blankets, to survive the chilling cold night. Children on Christmas Eve sing songs related Tio de nadal or Caga Tio. Though Tio de Nadal does not drop huge presents, the ones dropped are supposed to be shared among all. Interested to know more? Right from the making of Tio de Nadal, till the end of Christmas, children have great fun. They eagerly wait for the gifts and share them with everyone. Read more to gather all the information about the mythological character and learn about its significance.
Tio de Nadal Features
- Tio de Nadal is the Catalan word for the 'Christmas Log'. It is also known as Tio or Caga Tio and is a mythological character related to Christmas. The nickname Caga Tio originated as a result of its derivation from many songs of Tio de Nadal. The folklore is widespread in Catalonia. Similar to this tradition, other characters are Occitania (Cachafuoc or Soc de Nadal) or Aragon (Tizon de Nadal or Tronca de Nabida).
- Rather than using the more traditional and the rough look of the dead piece of wood, the log used today is more accessorized. Nowadays, in most of the Catalan homes, Tio de Nadal is found and people take it up with much anticipation and enthusiasm. The hollow log which is about thirty centimeters in length now stands four-legged, balanced by four small sticks, with a broad smiling face painted on it. It is often adorned with a red little sock and a three dimensional nose to make it more appealing.
- On the 8th of December, with the onset of the Feast, a little bit of the food is served to Tio as well. To prevent him from getting cold at night, he is also covered with a blanket.
Significance
- This widespread tradition is found in various parts of Spain as well where it is believed that, the Christmas Log brings gifts. This Catalan mythology is similar to the custom of 'Christmas presents under the Christmas tree' in the United States.
- Either on the Eve or on the day of Christmas, certain people also put Tio partly in the fireplace, so that he can poop there. However, this tradition is not prevalent today as the modern homes, mostly, do not have fireplaces. After placing Tio in the fireplace, people sing songs of Tio de Nadal along with the carols. Then, Tio poops candies, nuts or the torrons, but not the bigger objects; those are brought by the 'Three Wise Men'. As per the Catalonia traditions, it may also drop dried figs. As a matter of fact, whatever comes from Tio is considered to be a communal gift, rather than an individual present and hence is shared by all.
Tio de Nadal has been an important figure in Christmas celebrations. All the details about this popular Christmas figure have been encompassed in the lines above.
