This Catalan tradition of hitting a log while singing Christmas nursery rhymes to encourage it to “poo” (to give candy) is not about to die out. This Saturday, December 21, it was Ramon Gual, his guitar in hand, who welcomed dozens of children, and their parents immortalizing the moment, in Perpignan.
“Come, come, don't be afraid! (come, come, don't be afraid). Grab a stick and touch the “butt” (not the head) of the log, it will give you candy (take a stick and tap on “the ass” (not on the head) of the log and it will give you candy)”. This Saturday afternoon, Place de la Loge, in Perpignan, passers-by had fun with this invitation launched by Ramon Gual, Catalan singer and guitarist Big success: dozens of kids participated in this El tió by Nadal from Perpignan.
Nicolas Parent – Nicolas Parent
El Tió de Nadal “fed” all December
Some of them were clearly already familiar with this Catalan custom, which is particularly well-established among our southern neighbors. Tradition dictates that each family takes care of their Tió de Nadal within them.giving food throughout the month of December“, so that he could offer small treats on Christmas Day (candies, chocolates, nuts, torrons, etc.). Others, less knowledgeable or more timid, hesitated to tap the two enormous logs covered with a beautiful blood and gold fabric.
At the end of the few seconds of interruption devoted to “heating the stick” (obviously intended to divert the children's attention in order to surreptitiously slip the bags of treats “to the bottom” of the logs), the little ones then rushed to find the first are the promised sweets. With which they left proudly, smiles on their lips.
