Phallus
（
φαλλός). The male organ of generation; but most often the
figure of that organ used by both Greeks and Romans as symbolizing the generative and creative
force of nature, and therefore displayed as a sort of charm to promote manly vigour, to
prevent decay, and to avert the displeasure of those spirits on whom the fertility of men,
animals, and plants was supposed to depend. It was especially the symbol of
Priapus (q.v.), whose image was provided with an
enormous phallus, and was set up in gardens both to drive away birds, like the modern
scarecrow (
Hor. Sat. i. 8), and to secure
productiveness. The most primitive use of the phallus was devoid of any indecent suggestion,
but was regarded as harmless and natural; yet this was not true in later times,
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Stone cut in Phallic Form. (Schliemann.)
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when it was worshipped as a part of the obscene cults that sprang up, and was
depicted with pornographic intention. Thus it was used as a sign for houses of prostitution
(see
Meretrix), and decorated the walls of
drinking-shops. By the lower classes, small images of the same kind were worn about the neck
as amulets (see
Amuletum), to avert the evil eye,
as is the case in Italy to-day, where the peasants carry them made of coral. Pastry was made
in the same form, and also lamps. A similar superstitious custom obtains in some parts of
India, and the ancient Egyptians associated the phallus with the worship of Osiris. Many
specimens of the phallus of various materials are preserved in the National Museum at Naples.
See
De Is. et Osir.; Augustin.
De Civ. Dei, vi. 7, 9; vii. 21,
24; and Dulaure,
Des Divinités Génératrices; ou
du Culte du Phallus (Paris, 1805).
