What comes to mind when we think of Christmas? Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, presents... But what if we think of Catalan Christmas? Without a doubt, the "caganer" (a type of Christmas tree) and the "caga tió" (a type of Christmas tree), and with them, the characteristic "barretina" (a type of Christmas tree). "Barretina"? We'll explain what it is with some interesting facts ;D
Barretina
- Known as the Catalan cap, it is made of wool bag-shaped with a semicircular end.
- There are 2 typical colors, red and purple , and they usually wear a black stripe . Red used to be more of a color for serfdom, and purple for lordship.
- Its interior can be lined with black, green or red. If it is lined in black can be turned outwards and can be used for mourning .
- It spread throughout the port areas of the Mediterranean but only in Catalonia and Ibiza It was used until the end of the 19th century.
- Nowadays it can be seen in the dances of s ardanas, giants and nativity scenes with its figure of the “caganer” or in the “tió” (a Christmas log).
Extra. " The Smurfs ," whose name is an adaptation of " Patufet " (a beret-wearing character who appears in Catalan folk songs), also wear a beret. In Catalan, they are called " Els Barrufets " (The Smurfs), due to their similar sound to this cap.
