Japan's Penis Festival

You might have celebrated festivals like Christmas, Mid-Autumn festival, New Year Eve..etc before. But have you celebrated Penis festival before? In Japan, they do. They regard penis as a symbol of prosperity, power, peace, protection, and wisdom. Thousands of people will gather to celebrate this festival. Below are some pictures from the festival.

The proper name for this festival is Kanamara festival. It is believe that the festival begin after celebrating the vanquishing of a sharp-fanged female demon who would bite off men's genitals. The shrine had been built to honor the gods of iron, and swords that were once made there. There was a resourceful monk who successfully prevent the dangerous demoness' antics by making a huge penis out of iron, which shattered her teeth.



It is also believe that Japanese prostitutes like to attend such festival so that they can pray for protection against STDs. But these day it is more about funds raising for AIDS charities, promote marriage and to allow childless couples to pray for baby.



via NowPublic