All throughout Japan, ancient seasonal celebrations called Hadaka Matsuri ("Naked Festival") are held. As part of the ceremonies, men of all ranks are wrapped in simple loincloths (called fundoshi, or sometimes shimekomi). Dressed humbly, they engage in many group activities such as climbing ropes, carrying heavy portable shrines on their shoulders, or splashing in the ocean.
Some of the most famous Naked Festivals are held in the cold of winter, and attended by thousands. The men often fortify themselves with saki, chant and parade together, and struggle physically to possess scented sticks (shingi) tossed into the crowd by priests. To win one of the shingi is to receive a blessing.
The Hadaka Matsuri are a beautiful example of the acient culture of Japan, the Floating World. On these occasions men walk proudly in fundoshi, feeling no shame for their exposed bodies. I wish men could dress like this all the time!
If you like fundoshi too, be sure to visit https://fundoshi4all.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment