We’re a little late to the party, considering Japan’s Annual Penis Festival occurred on April 6 of this year. Originally, this festival was held to celebrate the penis and fertility, and prostitutes at the Kanamara shrine in Kawasaki prayed for protection from sexually transmitted diseases. Today, the festival raises money to help prevent HIV and to raise awareness for safe sexual practices.
From the photos I saw, apparently children come to this event too. Not sure how us prudish Americans would respond to such a festival, let alone taking the kiddies. You can also buy memorabilia at the festival: penis nose and glasses, wax penis candles. And don’t blush when you see lovely ladies sucking on something: penis lollipops. And if you want to ride a big one, you can straddle a huge wooden likeness of the male phallus and pose for pictures.
I must admit, I do find the male organ intriguing, and I hate that breasts are sometimes shown in the movies or on TV, but not a man’s penis. Not sure when or if we’ll ever get to a point where nudity isn’t shunned so much, but alas, here we are. If any of you know about a similar rite or festival we have here in the United States, please share with the rest of us. Inquiring minds want to know!
But anyway, a picture is worth a thousand words. If you want to read more about this fascinating festival, and see the fun and humor, click the link below:
