Sunday 11 May 2008

Japanese Penis Festival

                 Couldn't resist having a place on my blog for this

Japanese Penis Festival

 

Okay, there is a more subtle name for this festival. How about, Hounen Matsuri? Celebrated every March 15 in Komaki, a town about 45 minutes north of Nagoya, Japan, this is the time of year where folks haul out a large wooden penis to give three cheers to fertility and renewal. The custom is an old one that is connected to bringing about a good harvest and having babies.

Each year in Komaki, a new two and a half meter penis is carved out of a cyprus tree, put on a float and carried from the Tajata Jinja Shrine (the male version) to the Tamahime-no-mikyo Shrine (female version) by 42 year-old men. Since forty-two is not a lucky number in Japan, the 42 year-old males have an interest in being up close to the big guy in order to turn their luck. Besides this very large phallus, other people carry phalluses in the parade too. Men, women, children, everybody gets in on the fun.

This Shinto shrine has been around for years and the festival that honors it is steeped in folklore. Although, the big phallus may make it seem like this is all fun and frolic, there is a serious intention to the activities. Renewal and rebirth is the aim here. However, serious as this may be, since drinking sake and catching the rice balls that are thrown into the crowd are part of the entertainment, fun seems to be a big factor. Catching a rice ball is supposed to bring good luck.

Besides the sake, there are plenty of food stalls and souvenir chocolates to buy shaped like, well, you know.

penisfestivalEPA_450x300 penisfestgirlEPA_450x250

Hot Summer

ICE CREAM VAN..........OH MR WHIPPY

Well the weathers been hot and was out in my garden giving it a general tidy up when in the early evening I heard the melodic tune from the ice cream van and had a notion to visit it.

The kids were all rushed round trying to make their decision and counting their money. "You're before me MRS" OMG never been called MRS but how cute from the little guy standing at the side of me. So I step forward and looked at who was serving from the van. It was a very very sexy guy, tight teashirt, muscles, gorgeous eyes and a captivating smile. Well I got all flustered, it was unexpected. I never remember seeing any guy with an ice cream van who was remotely sexy. I started wondering what I should order...what would sound remotely sexy. How pathetic I thought but could I ask for a 99 ice cream coz it has the flake in it ,but by mistake ask for a 69..em I dont think so.

I looked at what I was wearing..half of my hedge and the odd muddy patch ewww passion killer crista. Damn not even lipstick, that always saves the day.

I regained focus by giving myself a stern talking to ...cant even visit an ice cream van without thinking sex. Enough Crista get a grip on yourself...yeah later. So the angel and devil were on either side of my shoulders fighting out the dilema.

I well and truely blew it..no not him but as I was now first in the queue and my turn. I made a mess of my order. "Oh I see you have Salt and Shake crisps, followed by a weak giggle which I'm so embarrassed to admit. He was impatient off course as their were a few waiting to be served. He wondered what was next..couldn't make my mind up so he gave me a moment while he started serving the next. I could have crawled under a stone. Eventually I got their with my Turkish Delight and Flake!!!

Will be ready for him the next time......images