One of the first things that surprises visitors to Bhutan is the sheer number of phallic symbols scattered across the country. From bold murals painted on houses to wooden carvings dangling from rooftops like wind chimes (but much funnier), and even cheeky keychains in souvenir shops, Bhutan has truly embraced the phallus like nowhere else on Earth. But before you start giggling too much, know that these symbols hold deep cultural and religious significance in Bhutanese society.
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Drukpa Kunley, the Divine Madman
To understand Bhutan’s national fondness for artistic manhood, one must look to Drukpa Kunley, a 15th-century Buddhist monk and tantric master known as the “Divine Madman”. And mad he was! Unlike the typically disciplined monks of his time, Kunley was famous for his wild, unfiltered behaviour, which included bawdy humour, sexual innuendos, and a blatant disregard for societal norms. He saw laughter and irreverence as powerful spiritual tools, and he quite literally spread enlightenment through sex.
Legend has it that Drukpa Kunley subdued demons and malevolent spirits using his “Thunderbolt of Flaming Wisdom” – yes, that’s exactly what you think it is. Apparently, no evil spirit stood a chance when faced with his divine endowment. His teachings encouraged people to be free from hypocrisy, embrace their natural desires, and not take life too seriously. And what better way to honour his legacy than by slapping some impressively large phalluses on buildings?
A symbol of fertility, protection, and good luck
Today, Bhutanese homes, particularly in rural areas, proudly display colourful penis paintings as if they were sacred emojis meant to ward off evil spirits. These murals aren’t just your average crude graffiti either, they often come with eyes, fangs, or even wings, reinforcing their role as spiritual guardians rather than mere decorations.
Beyond protection, phallic imagery is also linked to fertility and abundance. Farmers hoping for good harvests, couples wishing for children, or perhaps someone just hoping for a bit more luck in their love life may keep wooden phalluses in their homes.
For those really committed to the cause, there’s the famous Chimi Lhakhang monastery, where visitors are blessed by being tapped on the head with a sacred wooden phallus. Yes, you read that right. People travel great distances to be bopped on the noggin with a holy piece of wood, all in the name of good fortune and fertility. Bhutan is nothing if not efficient in its blessings.
Keeping tradition in modern Bhutan
Despite Bhutan’s increasing modernization, the tradition of phallic imagery remains firm (pun intended). While you might not find as many daring murals in the capital city of Thimphu, rural Bhutan remains a safe haven for those who appreciate a bit of old-school, well-endowed charm. Tourists often start off giggling at these cheeky symbols but end up leaving with a newfound understanding. The author of those lines himself, on his first trip to Bhutan, dared asking the local guide within an hour of passing immigration: “this may be a weird question, but why are there penises on the walls?”.
For those who visit Bhutan with YPT, encountering these phallic symbols is just one of many memorable moments in this uniquely joyful country. While they may at first seem like Bhutan’s version of an inside joke, they ultimately serve as a window into the nation’s rich spiritual traditions and refreshingly lighthearted approach to life.
Bhutan is not the only country obsessed with penises
Bhutan isn’t the only place where phallic imagery plays a cultural role. Across the world, various societies have revered the phallus as a symbol of power, fertility, and protection. In Japan, the Kanamara Matsuri, or “Festival of the Steel Phallus,” is an annual celebration where enormous penis-shaped floats parade through the streets, honoring fertility, safe childbirth, and sexual health.
In ancient Greece and Rome, phallic symbols were carved into stone to ward off evil spirits, and even today, some Mediterranean cultures continue to use small amulets shaped like phalluses as good luck charms. Meanwhile, in parts of Thailand and Indonesia, wooden phalluses can be found as offerings at shrines to fertility spirits.
While each culture has its own take on the phallus, Bhutan’s approach stands out for its deep integration into everyday life. Rather than being confined to temples or festivals, Bhutanese phallic imagery is boldly displayed on homes, shops, and even public buildings. Unlike other places where such imagery might be met with embarrassment or taboo, Bhutan’s lighthearted and spiritual embrace of the phallus remains a unique and fascinating tradition. So, the next time you see a Bhutanese house adorned with a flamboyant phallic mural, remember: it’s not just art, it’s a blessing. And in Bhutan, it’s completely normal!
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