Tiny plastic figures of Barack Obama relieving himself in public have become instant bestsellers in the Catalonia region of Spain. President-elect Obama has joined a host of politicians, sports stars and celebrities to be given the dubious honor of being turned into a caganer.

Catalonians traditionally celebrate Christmas by placing a caganer, which translates as pooper, in a nativity scene. People find it fun to try to spot the tiny defecating figures which are supposed to bring prosperity and a good harvest.


Thus answering that age-old question: What, child, is this?