In Catalonia, the Christmas celebrations start on December the 24th and end on January the 6th with the visit of the Three Wise Men.
Some days before Christmas, we prepare our houses by decorating a CHRISTMAS TREE and making a CRIB.
It is also the time to wake up the TIÓ, a special creature who lies on the floor under a blanket.
What is the TIÓ ?
The Tió is a simple LOG, a magic one, though. Sometimes we draw eyes and a mouth on it, and we cover it with a blanket.
In the very old days, the Tió was simply the log which burned in the fire, which gave us so wonderful goods as warmth and light.
Some days before Christmas, the children feed the Tió properly. He eats everything, though he loves oranges and apples. Also carrots and potatoes.
On Christmas Eve, or on Christmas Day, depending on the families, children HIT the Tió while singing a song. The Tió will give them some sweets and presents from under the blanket.
On Christmas Eve, or on Christmas Day, depending on the families, children HIT the Tió while singing a song. The Tió will give them some sweets and presents from under the blanket.
How does he work?
First, children and adults sing together while hitting the log.
Then, children go to a room, leaving the log alone to do his job.
When they come back, they remove the blanket and… surprise ! Sweets and presents for kids !
The pity is that the Tió only works once a year !
