| Tagata
Shrine -- This
is where the fun begins. See what the shrine that holds "the big
one" is like and learn about the history of Hounen Matsuri! |
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The
Procession II-- "The Big One" in all it's wooden glory!
See here the centerpiece of the infamous Hounen Matsuri. |
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| The
Preparations --
Before the procession can begin, special rites must be performed, prayers
must be said, and the participants have to get good and drunk! |
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Mochi
Nage -- What better way to end a fertility festival than throwing
rice cakes into an agressive and enclosed elderly Japanese mob?
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| The
Procession I--
Dancing, salt-throwing priests, phallus-bearing women and
a whole lot of drunken 42 year-olds are required to bring the giant phallus
to Tagata Jinjya! |
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Omiyage
-- Souvenirs and candies abound! Candies, suckers, manjyu,
keychains and carved wooden decorations for your mantel at home! |
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