Phallus

Phallus refers to the penis, particularly in its erect state, and to representations of the penis in art, religion, and folklore. The term derives from the Greek phallos. In anatomy, the penis consists of the root, shaft, and glans; erection involves the engorgement of erectile tissue—the corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum—under neural and vascular control.

In cultural contexts, the phallus has functioned as a symbol of fertility, virility, and generative power. Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern societies frequently incorporated phallic imagery in ritual objects, processions, or votive offerings. In Hinduism, the lingam is a stylized representation of Shiva that embodies divine energy and creation and is revered in temples. In many other cultures, phallic symbols appear in sculpture, carvings, and fertility rites associated with seasonal cycles or rites of passage.

Phallic symbolism extends into modern scholarship, where sexologists and anthropologists analyze its social meanings, myths, and power dynamics. In art and literature, phallic motifs have been used to explore themes of sexuality, dominance, and identity. Such imagery can be provocative or controversial in contemporary societies, reflecting cultural norms about sexuality and taboo.