The Shinto Kanamara Matsuri ("Festival of the Steel Phallus") is held each spring at the Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki, Japan. The penis, as the central theme of the event, is reflected in illustrations, candy, carved vegetables, decorations and a parade.
The Kanamara Matsuri is centered on a local penis-venerating shrine. The legend is that a sharp-toothed demon hid inside the vagina of a young woman and castrated two young men on their wedding nights. As a result, the young woman sought help from a blacksmith, who fashioned an iron phallus to break the demon's teeth, which led to the enshrinement of the weenie.
The Kanayama Shrine was popular among prostitutes who prayed for protection from VD.
It is also said the shrine offers divine protection for business prosperity, for the clan's prosperity and for easy delivery, marriage, and married-couple harmony.
Today, the festival has become a tourist attraction and is used to raise money for HIV research.
From Wikipedia
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