Foreigners may be surprised to learn that in Japan there are phallic and female genitalia festivals.
Since ancient times, there has been a nature worship in Japan that all things have a soul, including humans, plants, animals, and inanimate objects. Shinto developed from this belief. Later, Buddhism and Christianity were introduced from overseas.
There is a difference between a shrine and a temple. Shinto shrines have torii gates. Buddhist temples are those with Buddhist statues.
Therefore, all Japanese are more or less influenced by nature worship. In some cases, nature worship involves the worship of the reproductive organs in the hope of procreation. That is the phallic festival.
Specifically, the genital organs are worshipped as sacred objects. Mostly phallic genitalia are worshipped, but in some places female genitalia are worshipped as well. The materials used are natural wood or stone in the shape of phallic or vaginal organs.
It is enshrined as a symbol in the innermost part of the shrine. Once a year, in the fall when the produce is harvested, a festival is held to honor it. A portable shrine is carried in a parade around the shrine.
Shrines have their specialties. Each has its own specialties, such as business prosperity, good health, and a good harvest. Among them, there are shrines where phallic and female genitalia are worshipped in the hope of procreation. Not all shrines are dedicated to them.
