Why are there pictures of phalluses everywhere in Bhutan?
Bhutan is a small Buddhist kingdom located in the eastern Himalayas. The country is known for its Buddhist monasteries, ancient dzong fortresses and mountain peaks, the height of which often exceeds 7 km. Bhutan is inhabited by hospitable and good-natured people who love to draw on walls, carve wood and sculpt… phalluses from clay.
It's hard to say which country in the world has more images of male genitalia. Probably such statistics simply do not exist. But if we talk not about “street art”, but about artistic works, then the small but very creative Bhutan will probably come first.
No one knows when the Bhutanese first started drawing penises on walls and fences. And it’s unlikely that anyone will tell you what the original meaning of these images was. But the tradition has lived for centuries and is not going to fade away. Most of the images of members can be seen in rural areas and... in Buddhist monasteries.
Most of all penises, thin, thick, long, short, straight, curved, flying, running and ejaculating in the Shimi Lakhang Monastery. It is dedicated to Drukpa Kunlay, a 15th century lama and tantric guru. According to historical sources, this saint was famous for his eccentric behavior.
Some experts say that Drukpa Kunleya Monastery was the first place with penises in the kingdom. And only then the followers of the tantric guru spread the custom throughout the country. Nowadays, images or sculptures of penises can be found anywhere in Bhutan - in a residential building, a store, an office, a cafe, and even a school.
Bhutanese people believe that male genitals help ward off evil people, spirits and dispel gossip. Therefore, immediately after the completion of the construction of any building, a phallus immediately appears on its walls. These organs are drawn with great skill and many authors have their own recognizable handwriting.
It cannot be said that all residents of the country are happy with the ancient custom. Polls say that city dwellers and educated people are against this tradition. They believe that she disgraces the kingdom in front of tourists and gives neighbors a reason to make fun of them. But still, the majority of citizens have a positive attitude towards such creativity.
Penises not only decorate houses and temples, but are also used in rituals. In some temples, figures of genitals made of metal and wood, covered with carvings, are used for blessings. They are placed on the heads of women to make them fertile. They also perform rituals designed to rid children, including unborn children, of illnesses.