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In this day
and age, I don't think it would be possible to hold this kind
of festival unless a large number of the participants and
spectators were completely drunk. And the Japanese seem to
agree. Hours before the start of the parade and all throughout
the festival, these large carts holding small barrels of sake
were pushed throughout the crowd, offering a cup to anyone
who wanted one. |
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The
sake cart
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A
wooden phallus accompanies each sake cart.
Give it a good rub for good luck!
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Photo
Ops
Some
of the best photo opportunities before the start of the parade
are of or with the participants. Shinto priests are praying
and chanting, swordsmen are displaying their art, and the
participants will take pictures with you if you'd like. And
then you simply must get your picture taken with "the
big one"!
People lined up to take a picture with the giant phallus.
Occasionally to reach out and touch, stroke, or even kiss
it! |
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Not
even this little girl can't resist the temptation
to take a picture with "the big one"
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Ladies
of the procession
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A
diety, Sarutahiko-no-okami, prepares to lead the
procession. He led the descent from heaven to
Earth of the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu.
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Two
parents can't leave without getting photos
of their girls, above and left, with big wooden penis.
My friends, Glen and Lesa, below
strike a pose with "the big one".
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The big wooden penis is loaded
up in its jumbo-sized palanquin, ready for the parade.
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