Figurine Shows Madonna Defecating
The Spanish company Caganer developed a caganer figurine (a “crapper”, see below) in the image of the Virgin of Montserrat. The Tarraconense Episcopal Conference expressed their “deep regret” that an image of such a beloved religious symbol should be portrayed in such a way. As well, Fr. Ignasi Fossas, prior of Montserrat, declares that such a representation of the Virgin Mary is in bad taste.
The caganer is a defecating figurine traditionally put in Nativity scenes which originated in Catalonia and the surrounding regions probably around the end of the 17th or beginning of the 18th century. The figurine could have different symbolic meanings such as equality (everyone must go to the bathroom), the importance of being ever ready for Christ’s return, or could even have been a good luck charm since feces fertilizes the earth and brings prosperity. Whatever the tradition of the caganer, it is traditionally in the image of a peasant-type villager, and not of a sacred religious symbol.Source:
http://libertadreligiosa.es/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caganer
http://www.abc.es/local-cataluna/20131126/abci-caganer-moreneta-obispos-201311261427.html
