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Fertility Folklore Fun
Are You Superstitious?
By Shel Franco
If prayer is more your speed than travel, look no further than St. Gerard, the "unofficial" patron saint of motherhood. Although the Catholic Church has not placed an official title at the feet of St. Gerard, his many 
miracles preformed on the behalf of mothers, children and families have become enough proof for his legion of followers.
For more information about his history of and prayers to St. Gerard, visit Jo Spano's Web site. Spano, the mother of 16 children, has dedicated much of her life to spreading the word about St. Gerard and his blessings on moms and moms-to-be.
There is also a national shrine of St. Gerard in St. Lacy's Church, Newark, N.J.
Each year in March, the small farming town of Komaki, Japan, comes alive with fertility. Giant, wooden penises, pregnant women and the Tagata Shrin are the highlight of this festival, or Hounen Matsuri, celebrated in order to ask Shinto gods for healthy babies – and a healthy harvest.
If you like music, ritual and sake (rice wine), ask your travel agent for more information on scheduling this once-in-a-lifetime vacation to Komaki.
