Look! It's a log shaped like a thingy...
Every March, there's a rather unique local event, which I always seem to miss for some reason. This year, the reason was work. I had promised the previous month to cover my boss for a certain Saturday, and only afterwards was I reminded of the event occurring on that particular Saturday by other friends who go every year. After vainly begging my colleagues to take my shift, they all went to this event themselves, but at least were kind enough to send me some pictures for your edification and amusement. The event, known to the locals as the Hounen Matsuri, a celebration of the renewed fertility of springtime, is also affectionately known among the growing number of foreign attendees as the Penis Festival. And here's a picture...
This is the centrepiece of the festival, the mikoshi which is carried through the streets in a procession from one shrine to another. In addition, revellers can partake of all forms of similarly shaped items, such as the obvious wiener on a stick...
...lollipops...
...and souvenirs for friends back home.
And then, amid much cheering and banner-waving...
...the procession gets underway.
A great day was had by all - except me, who was stuck in the office. Maybe next year...
This is the centrepiece of the festival, the mikoshi which is carried through the streets in a procession from one shrine to another. In addition, revellers can partake of all forms of similarly shaped items, such as the obvious wiener on a stick...
...lollipops...
...and souvenirs for friends back home.
And then, amid much cheering and banner-waving...
...the procession gets underway.
A great day was had by all - except me, who was stuck in the office. Maybe next year...
posted by Ia Ftaghn at 10:14 pm
4 Comments:
I'd love to see them try this in Australia, that would be hilarious! I guess the closest we get is mardigras. You gotta love the japanese! Bec
Actually, I think Mardigras comes pretty close... ;)
[rant]Except, of course, there are no gay people in Japan (just ask anyone here!), which must be why the guys here don't feel uncomfortable wearing really fruity outfits in public. I can't count how many times I've had to take someone aside and explain why they should change their wardrobe before they go to America. The look of shock is priceless.[end rant]
I also missed the female version of this festival, which was the weekend before. Apparently, in their mikoshi, they have an old tree stump shaped like a...
excellent stuff, that really shows the world how to do fertility religion. Nothing subtle or symbolic there.
Hope someone saved you a lollypop.
Unfortunately, not so much as a funny ashtray, either. :(
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