Many houses in Bhutan, if not the majority, carry painted phalluses on their walls. The idea of decorating houses with phallic symbols came from a monk who lived in the 15-16th century and adopted blasphemous and unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism.
A big fan of women and wine, Drukpa Kunley (also known as “Mad Saint”), believed that phallic symbols drive away evil and malicious gossip. Naturally, many of his followers decorated their houses with painted penises.
This practise quickly spread and became part of Bhutanese folk culture. It has survived till present days.
Bonus fact: Sometimes, elephants use their penises as a fifth leg, to prop themselves up. It’s how large it is.
Comments on this entry are closed.