Embracing Tradition and Inclusivity: The Vibrant Festivities of Kanamara Matsuri, Japan's Iconic Penis Festival
Conversations around sex and sexuality are still a taboo in large parts of the society. Sex plays an important role in our lives and yet it is rarely discussed let alone celebrated. However there are some traditions
It is joyful to know that there is a popular festival in Japan which celebrates sex organs. In addition, it also celebrates Sexuality, protection against STDs, and inclusivity.
Kanamara Matsuri or “The Penis Festival” is a yearly festival held in the Kanayama Shrine. The shrine is in the city of Kawasaki. The festival occurs
during the Spring season. During this season, the pink cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The entire environment becomes pink.
The festival has the colour pink as its theme. (from the colour of shirts to the decoration of stalls).
Folklore
The shrine reveres Kanamara Sama. The word ‘Mara’ (魔羅), refers to the demon that tried to stop Gautama Buddha from attaining enlightenment. It also refers to the phallus.
Kanamara was born from the vomit of the goddess Izanami. The Goddess got burnt on her genitals while giving birth to a fire God. She vomited in uneasiness. That is how Kanamara came into existence. Kanamara is hence revered for protecting the lower bodies of people.
The Shrine
The shrine features phallic and clitoral symbols. While the phallus-shaped objects are easy to spot, the vagina-shaped objects are present throughout the shrine. The vagina is often represented by stone eggs or peaches in these symbols.
There are also anvils with phallus-shaped objects on top. This represents the protection of miners, blacksmiths, and hardware makers.
Origins of Festival
According to ancient Japanese legend, a vicious demon fell in love with a woman and hid in her vagina. It bit off the penis of two men who tried to consummate the marriage.
The woman sought help from a blacksmith. The blacksmith made an iron phallus and broke the demon’s teeth. This led to the enshrinement of the item at Kanayama Shrine. The shrine holds reverence for blacksmiths. Industries such as that steel, pray during the festival for business prosperity.
- Sexual health festival
The festival is also revered by sex workers. This highlights the volume of inclusivity this festival holds. During the period of the 17th to 19th century, a large number of sex workers would visit the shrine.
The sex workers would pray for protection against STIs. It was around this time that the first festivals focusing on sexual health took place at the shrine. Yet, this tradition vanished by the late 19th century. The festival bloomed again in the 1970s by a priest. The priest had studied STDs at a university. He wanted to create a festival for everyone to enjoy, without discrimination. The threat of AIDS was also high during this period. This resulted in a large number of people visiting the shrine.
- Popular in the Queer community
The festival also gained popularity in the queer community in 2012. Matsuko Deluxe was a sex positivist and an Advocate for Queer Rights who visited the festival in 2012. His visit increased the popularity of the festival within the queer community.
The Kanayama Shrine holds reverence for the gods, Kanayama Hiko and Kanayama Hime. They represent a Divine Couple protecting blacksmiths, nurturing sexuality and ensuring smooth marital relationships.
Breaking the Stereotypes
- Openness about sexuality– The festival promotes open conversations about sexuality, a topic that is often considered taboo in many cultures. By embracing this open dialogue, the festival encourages people to be more comfortable discussing their sexual health and related issues, breaking down the stigma surrounding these topics.
- Empowerment of women- The festival also aims to empower women by challenging traditional gender roles and promoting female sexual agency. It raises awareness about issues like gynecological health, contraception, and safe sex practices, emphasizing the importance of informed decisions and bodily autonomy.
- Inclusivity and Acceptance- The festival welcomes people of all genders and sexual orientations, creating an inclusive space that acknowledges and respects diverse identities. This sends a message of acceptance and understanding, challenging stereotypes related to sexual orientation and gender roles.
- Charitable Initiatives- The Kanamara Matsuri has often been associated with charitable efforts, such as raising funds for HIV/AIDS research and supporting those affected by STIs. These initiatives showcase the festival’s commitment to addressing real-world health challenges and promoting social responsibility.
- The Kanamara Matsuri Festival is an amalgamation of culture and symbolism.It is a highly inclusive festival, which the locals and foreigners celebrate alike zestfully. The festival thus highlights the richness of the Shinto tradition. Shinto embraces a form of worship that acknowledges and honors the spirits found in nature. Everyone feels joyous and liberated. The modern style of celebration makes it a distinctive event in Japan.
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