Weird shrines are not uncommon in Japan. There is Karube Shrine, where people go to worship breasts, and
the Shinto shrines where they bury broken needles in tofu. Another weird place is the Kunigami Shrine, in Tochigi
Prefecture, that allegedly prevents and cures hemorrhoids.
So how does a shrine manage to cure a painful medical
condition? Well, my guess is as good as yours. From what I read,
according to an ancient tradition, people who wash their backsides at a
nearby river and eat egg offerings are completely cured of hemorrhoids.
In modern times though, people have stopped washing their butts in
public. Instead, they simply point their posterior at a smooth, shiny,
egg-shaped butt washing stone placed at the center of the shrine and
recite a special chant. This can, apparently, cure people of
hemorrhoids. For those who are healthy, it can prevent their occurrence
for life.
‘Kisai’ is the annual festival held at Kunigami Shrine, when people
arrive in throngs to receive a cure for the painful condition. The
centuries-old festival was discontinued in 1988, but then it was revived
a couple of years ago, owing to a sudden surge of hemorrhoids among the
Japanese.
This year’s festival saw at least 70 people in attendance – each of them
bowed reverentially and then pointed their posterior at the “butt washing
stone”. The amusing experience ensured that everyone had a fun time, and
they probably forgot all about their ailing behinds at least for a day...provided they remain standing.
That and Preparation H will do it! Say, do you know that Prep H is also used extensively to reduce 'bags under the eyes'? I kid you not!
See ya, eh!
Bob
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