Hounen Matsuri

[Written on: 2008 May - 2nd week]

Sometimes at work, I get bored with the daily routine that I have to perform. I get especially bored when I am not busy. Half asleep, I sit in front of my desk staring at my PC. I keep my programs open of course, pretending to work while my mind slips away to my happy place *zzzzzzz*.

This is exactly what I am again feeling right now. Yawn after yawn, I try to keep myself awake by writing blogs like this hehe. I am feeling a little bit alert already x).

So let's see. I found out some interesting, not-so-commonplace thing about Japanese culture. Nagoya culture to be exact.

Every March, in a small town (whose name i forgot) in Nagoya, the Honen Matsuri (Fertility/Harvest Festival) is celebrated. In this festival, Japanese men parade a giant wooden phallus from the streets all the way to a shrine where the phallus is laid (pardon the tasteless pun ;D hehe).

Japanese women also carry around smaller versions. Imagine a small-scale version of the Kadayawan Festival (Davao, Philippines). But instead of flowers and fruits, phallus (or phalli?) of different sizes are carried around town by the people.

This festival is said to be a celebration of fertility and good harvest. Phallus-shaped food and omiyage (souvenirs) are also offered to the obliging spectators. Also, an all-you-can-drink sake (Japanese rice wine) is served for everyone joining the festival.

So, penis and alcohol anyone?