In The Tradition of the Post Below!

Thank God for Wikipedia because I'd be lost without it.  Let's come and wade in the cesspool of Kitsch that is...

Santo Niño de Atocha

welcome to the very first edition of the Saint Kitsch Meancyclopedia of unnecessary folksy Catholicism.  Today we'll be discussing one of the scariest bits of Catholic kitsch, Santo Nino de Atocha, or Baby Jesus with Bucket.  Here's what wikipedia has to say

During the 13th Century, Spain was under the Umayyad. The town of Atocha was lost to the Muslim invaders, and the Christians there were taken prisoners. The Christians were placed on strict punishments and prohibitions, and the devout prisoners were denied food by their captors. Eventually, only children under the age of 12 were permitted to bring them food. The women of Atocha knew that most of the people in the jails could not survive under such conditions. They were praying before the statue of Our Lady of Atocha, they pleaded for the Blessed Virgin Mary to ask her son Jesus Christ for help.

Reports began to spread among the people of Atocha that a child under the age of twelve had begun to bring food to childless prisoners. The child was dressed in pilgrim's clothing.

When the women of Atocha heard of the miraculous Child, they returned to Our Lady of Atocha and thanked the Virgin for her intercession. Looking upon the image of the Madonna, they noticed that the shoes worn by the Infant Jesus held by Our Lady of Atocha were tattered and dusty. The shoes were replaced but were soiled once again. The people of Atocha saw this as a sign that the Infant Jesus went out every night to help those in need. It is said that he does many miracles, especially to children.

Well that's actually a really nice story.  I feel kind of guilty for making fun of it actually.  However, this beautiful event has been transformed into...

something that looks like the cover of a pack of tarot cards.

Mexican Catholic Barbie.  In which, I suppose, some lady probably named Maria has given Baby Jesus 2 dollars.  What does she think He's going to get with 2 dollars?  You can't get much more than 8 quarters with 2 dollars.

And finally, what may actually BE the like...definition of Catholic Kitsch:

There's too much to even begin to touch on.  You'll just have to explore for yourself.  Like.  Just keep looking.

And thus concludes the first article in my meancyclopedia.