ON-MARA-SAMA is the folklore ritual in small village in GUMMA prefecture to protect the village from evil. It started by more than 150 years ago.

"MARA" means Phallus. They make MARA from wood, put it on a bridge that is considered to be a boundary. Phallus is believed as amulet, they can ward off disease coming from outside of the boundary by hanging up ON-MARA-SAMA.

Finally, villegers call to Mt.SUWA, like "O-i,O-i,O-i". I asked why they call, but they didn't know reason.

I guess it is the faith for goddess of mountain. In the faith, people offer phallus for goddess because goddess in mountain is believed that she likes phallus.

The phallus they put will change new one next january.

[DATA]

DAY:Every January 14th

TIME:10:00～(There is a possibility of changes.)

981-1 Kamigahara Kanna-machi Tano-gun Gumma-ken 3701602