Today I learned about the Tió de Nadal, a part of a Christmas tradition from Catalonia (which is, for people who don't know, an eastern region of Spain.) Every year a large log is hollowed out, and "fed" with treats, candy, and other yummy things through the month of December, whereupon on Christmas eve the children beat the log with sticks and scream "SHIT LOG! SHIT LOG!" after which the log excretes the candy for their enjoyment. When the Tió is finished shitting, it will poop out a picked herring, or a piece of garlic. Not making this up.
The log is nicknamed the "Caga tió" or "Shitting Log," and usually has two legs, a goofy face, and wears a traditional Catalan stocking cap. Apparently this tradition is pretty widespread and commercialized in Spain, kind of the same way we here in America take the kids to go see Santa Claus at the mall, except if Santa was made of wood and you had to brutalize him with a stick whilst commanding him to defecate candy.
Merry Christmas everyone!
SHIT LOG!
