FR01-16 FESTIVAL OF THE “STEEL PHALLUS” AND THE “BOURANI” CARNIVAL OF TYNAVOS: PHALLIC FESTIVALS OF CONTEMPORARY JAPAN AND GREECE

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Phallic festivals were more common in antiquity, typically celebrating the advent of spring time. Spring time typically conjures ideas of rebirth, rejuvenation and renewal. The phallus occupies a prominent place in unique spring time festivals of present day Japan and Greece. METHOD(S): A systematic search of medical, historical and sociological literature, as well as a PubMed review were performed as to phallic festivals. Personal interviews with local tour guides and current/ former residents familiar with the festivals were conducted. A photographic journal of phallic images was performed by the authors. RESULT(S): Phallika (penis processions) of ancient Greece were festivals honoring the god of wine, Dionysis where the phallus was prominently displayed. Aristotle, in the Poetics states that comedy plays originated from these "phallic processions". In the city of Tynavos, on the first day of Lent (spring-time), the annual Bourani phallic festival occurs. "Clean Monday" is a day of merry making with many sexual and love symbols displayed, combined with a traditional Greek folk festival and dances. Big vats of spinach soup (Bourani) are made and served to " initiates" while people dance and sing lewd songs, surrounded by phallic shaped bread, cups, candy, and thrones. Initiates kiss phallic symbols and drink tsipouro. In Japan, the Kanamara Matsuri festival, "Festival of the Steel Penis" is held on the first Sunday in April, at the Kanayama Shinto Shrine, in Kawasaki. The festival dates back to the Edo era in the 16th century. Phallic images abound, with penis shaped candy, fruits, vegetables,hats, and many giant phallic statues. The main event is the mikoshi (portable shrine) parade, where penis sculptures (wood and steel) are carried to the shrine. Offerings are made for a good harvest and fertility. The festival has become a tourist attraction and is now used to raise money for HIV research. Legend behind the festival is that a jealous sharp-toothed demon fell in love a women, who spurned his love. The jealous demon hid inside her vagina and bit off the husband's penis on their wedding night. The local blacksmith fashioned an steel dildo for the women-the demon broke all his teeth and fled. The Kanayama Shrine was popular with sex workers from local tea houses - praying for protection from sexually transmitted infections. The Shrine also offers divine protection for an easy delivery, marital harmony and fertility. CONCLUSION(S): The Spring time phallus festivals/ processions of the "Steel Penis" and "Bourani" occupy special spaces in Japanese and Greek cultures.