Saidai-ji Eyo (held at Saidai-ji Temple on the third Saturday in February)
A unique event also known as hadaka matsuri or the Naked Festival. Saidai-ji, the host of this event, is a Shingon sect temple believed to have been founded in 778. Eyo is a 14-day New Year ritual during which monks of the Shingon sect pray for a year of bountiful harvest and good fortune. On the 14th day, amulets said to guarantee a good year were presented to the elders representing the parishioners. But an increasing amount of believers began to flock for these amulets. People fought until their clothes tore off. Thus the paper talismans were replaced by wooden sticks which were tossed into the crowd. Good fortune is bestowed to those who catch these sticks. It is said that by the end of the Yedo period (19th century), the event had evolved into the current style, being held naked. Recently, the festival has been attracting over 10,000 naked men who thrust themselves into the crowd upon the release of these wooden charms at midnight. Despite the chilling temperature, the intense fight produces steam that casts a mysterious spell on this winter event.
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