Things then and now - Japan part1

When you think about Japan you probably imagine something like:



or ;)


And you're probably right. Japan and Japanese culture is modern but (in many cases) still very traditional.

An a interesting detail worth mentioning is how Japanese culture was sustainable by design, we also can use word “eco” as economical or ecological.
If you're interested, here's a link to the full article http://www.designobserver.com/changeobserver/entry.html?entry=12958



Since Edo period (about 1600-1870) a lot have changed. Now Japan is one of the most advanced country, with still many traditional customs survived.
One of them is (festival) Hadaka Matsuri – what mens literally naked festival

Hadaka Matsuri takes place in January and is a type of festival in which participant should wear almost no clothes, usually fundoshi (“traditional Japanese undergarment for adult males”) or something what would we call pants.

Naked festivals are held in many places around Japan every year, usually in the summer or winter. Every year, approximately 9,000 men participate in this festival. Originated in Okayama, it's most famous festival.



In Japan, the month of January is a time of ritual purification ( often using cold water). During the winter season thousands of men are marching through the streets and shrines to celebrate the New Year in this uniquely Japanese way. The entire month of January features dozens of these naked festivals.



There is a belief (Shinto) that Shin-otokoa , a Naked Man absorbs all bad luck evil deeds and bring good luck in the new year to the men who touch him – no one is sure, but the ritual may commemorate the end of a plague, as the Naked Man takes on the ills of the community and is then expelled from it.



It is a great honour to be chosen as the Shin-otokoa. In preparation for the event he must undergo many prification rites and shave all the hair from his body.
Only the men dressed in fundoshi and sandals are allowed to touch the Shin-otokoa, special bodyguards line the route to splash cold water over them as the Naked Man draws near. This has the dual purpose of restraining the wild impulses of the "touchers" while creating an aura of mystery.



Some other facts:

sometimes mud is involved

Some locations are dedicated to young men's (or rarer still, women's) hadaka matsuris. This is more common in Western Japan.

Most naked festivals limit participation to adult males, but many have separate events where youth may participate

The nature of these festivals, could be controversy, but it's not usually an issue in Japan. In fact, when participants get naked, it is usually considered a healthy, sacred act, and not indecent.


Questions: Have you ever heard or participated in any unusual festivals?
Are there any in Poland?