Kanamara Matsuri is a phallic-worshipping ritual in Japan, which has become a tourist attraction in recent years. Prostitutes believe that praying to the iron phallus statue will protect them from STDs. Others believe that praying to the deity there will give prosperity and protect from disease or other evils. The origins of the Kanamara Matsuri date back to the Edo period (1603–1868), where it is believed to have originated as a prayer for protection against syphilis, a prevalent disease among Japanese sex workers at the time. Over the years, the festival evolved into a celebration of fertility and reproductive health.
Why is Kanamara Matsuri (Festival of the Steel Phallus) celebrated?
The Kanamara Matsuri, literally translated into the festival of the iron panis, is a Shinto festival (a native religion of Japan that provides for the worship of kami, deities, natural spirits or simply spiritual presences) that falls every year on the first Sunday of April and is takes place in Kawasaki, Japan.
The legend dates back to 1600 and tales of a young girl struck by a curse that led her to hide a demon inside her vagina that castrated the unfortunates who had intimate relations with her. A blacksmith made for her an iron pℯnis capable of breaking the demon’s teeth, thus the Wakamiya shrine was born in her honor. This sacred place later became half of the prostitutes who asked for protection against venereal diseases.
The festival, which consists of a parade of gigantic phalluses, was first held in 1977 and is now linked to the theme of fertility and marital bliss. The central focus of the Kanamara Matsuri is the phallus, which symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and protection against diseases. The festival celebrates diversity and inclusivity, welcoming people from all walks of life to embrace their sexuality and reproductive health.
Kanamara Matsuri Festivities and Activities
Kanamara Matsuri, also known as the “Festival of the Steel Phallus,” is a Shinto fertility festival held annually in Kawasaki, Japan. It dates back to the Edo period (1603–1868) and is associated with a local legend involving a sharp-toothed demon and a blacksmith.
According to the legend, a woman with a demon in her vagina sought help from a blacksmith who crafted an iron phallus to break the demon’s teeth. The iron phallus was so successful that the woman was then able to marry. The Kanamara Matsuri began as a way to pray for protection against sexually transmitted infections, infertility, and smooth childbirth.
In contemporary times, the festival has evolved into a lively and humorous celebration of fertility and safe sex. Participants carry large phallus-shaped mikoshi (portable shrines) through the streets, and the event raises awareness and funds for HIV research.
During the festival, visitors can participate in various activities, including parades, traditional dances, and ceremonial processions. One of the highlights is the parade of mikoshi (portable shrines) carrying giant phallus sculptures, accompanied by lively music and enthusiastic crowds.
Culinary Delights
A significant aspect of the Kanamara Matsuri is the wide array of phallus-shaped foods and treats available for purchase, including candies, cakes, and vegetables. These culinary delights add a playful and festive element to the celebration, further emphasizing the theme of fertility and abundance.
Artisans and Craftsmanship
Local artisans showcase their craftsmanship during the festival, offering an array of handmade goods and souvenirs inspired by the theme of fertility. Visitors can browse through stalls selling traditional crafts, artwork, and unique gifts, providing a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
Modern Influences
While rooted in tradition, the Kanamara Matsuri has embraced modern influences, attracting a diverse audience of locals and international tourists alike. The festival serves as a platform for cultural exchange and understanding, fostering connections between people from different backgrounds and communities.
Kanamara Matsuri Cultural Significance
The Kanamara Matsuri holds significant cultural importance in Japan, reflecting the country’s openness towards sexuality and reproductive health. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of tradition and modernity, celebrating age-old customs in a contemporary setting.
Kanamara Matsuri Global Impact and Tourism
In recent years, the Kanamara Matsuri has gained popularity worldwide, attracting tourists from across the globe eager to experience its unique atmosphere and traditions. The festival has become a symbol of Japan’s rich cultural heritage and progressive attitudes towards sexuality and diversity.
Conclusion
The Kanamara Matsuri Festival offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s cultural heritage, blending tradition with modernity in a celebration of fertility, unity, and diversity. As the festival continues to attract visitors from around the world, its significance and impact on global tourism only continue to grow.
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FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the Kanamara Matsuri Festival?
A: The Festival celebrates fertility, marriage, and protection against sexually transmitted diseases, rooted in ancient Shinto traditions.
Q: When the Kanamara Matsuri Festival held?
A: The festival typically held on the first Sunday of April each year at the Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki, Japan.
Q: there any age restrictions for attending the festival?
A: The Kanamara Matsuri is a family-friendly event, welcoming visitors of all ages to participate in the festivities.
Q: What some traditional foods served at the festival?
A: Visitors enjoy variety of phallus-shaped foods and treats, including candies, cakes, and vegetables, symbolizing fertility and abundance.
Q: How long the Kanamara Matsuri celebrated?
A: The festival has long history dating back to the Edo period (1603–1868) and continues to celebrated annually to this day.
Q: photography allowed during the festival?
A: Yes, photography permitted during the festival, allowing visitors to capture the vibrant atmosphere and colorful festivities.
