Japan’s “Naked Festival”: Thousands of men “run naked” to compete for blessings, why can’t women participate?

Japan is a country that we are all familiar with. As more and more Chinese people travel abroad, Japan has become one of the most popular countries for Chinese tourists. Although many people do not like Japan, Japan is one of the most visited countries. The most developed country in Asia has done very well in many aspects, so traveling there is still a good choice.

Japanese cultural traditions have shadows of Chinese culture in many places, such as flower arrangement, tea ceremony, etc., but they have been spread in Japan for a long time and have been localized by Japan. In addition to learning Chinese culture, Japan also has some unique cultures of its own, but some of these cultures are unacceptable to Chinese tourists.

01 Japan’s oldest festival - Naked Festival

What I want to introduce to you today is a traditional festival in Japan. This is one of the oldest festivals in Japan, commonly known as "Naked Festival", the scientific name is Huiyo Festival, is a festival that originated in the Edo period and is held on the third week of February every year. The history of this festival can actually originate more than 1,300 years ago.

For the Japanese, the Kaiyō Festival is a festival to compete for blessings, and its history stems from the time when Saidaiji Kannon-in Temple was just built. The ritual was introduced here, and during the annual revision meeting, local monks would practice it to pray for the stability of the country. They will wrap a treasure in ox jade paper, and after the ritual is over, give the piece of paper to a respected local person.

As time goes by, the cow jade paper has become a "treasure wood", and the gift has become a competition for believers. This event has lasted for more than 1,000 years. When it is held every year, Nippon Oka Saidaiji City in Yama Prefecture will receive a large number of tourists.

20,000 Japanese men "streak" to compete for luck

Saidaiji City in Okayama Prefecture, Japan is a small town with only more than 6,000 people. When this event is held, there will be Nearly 10,000 Japanese men came to participate. The participating men were not allowed to wear clothes. They had to be wrapped in traditional Japanese loincloths and were almost naked. When the participants were ready, they could compete for the treasure wood, the host of the temple. The treasure wood will be thrown down from the second floor, and the men underground will start to snatch the treasure wood. You can form a team with others, or you can participate alone, but the person who gets the treasure wood in the end will be considered a lucky person, and will be lucky in the coming year. Smoothly.

03Why can’t women participate in the Naked Festival?

The Huiyo Festival is the most traditional festival in Japan. Why can’t women participate? This is related to the relatively low status of women in Japanese history. Even in the gifting stage, no one would give treasures to women. Later, the activity evolved into robbing treasure trees, and women were still not allowed to participate. After all, at this time, men were half-naked. Due to the current situation, it is difficult for women to participate, so this festival has gradually evolved into a festival specially prepared for men. It is Japan's "Men's Day". Generally, on this day, women nearby will not go out, but because this festival attracts Countless tourists come to watch this event every year. What do you think of this?