cults, such as the belief in the fertilizing effect of the sun upon the earth—hence Sun-worshippers—and the association of human sexual practices with the fertility of fields.
The best known examples of sacred or religious prostitution are those that were practiced in the temples of the Chaldean Venus, whose name was Mylitta, as described by Herodotus, Strabo and others, from first-hand observation. Identical voluptuous rites were practiced in Phœnicia, Carthage and Syria, where the Mylitta or Venus was known as Astarte.
Sex worship, by modern writers, is usually referred to as phallicism—from the Greek noun that has been adopted into English in its Latinized form, phallus. It refers, with its adjective phallic, to the male organ of generation.
The legend of St. Patrick banishing the snakes from Ireland merely symbolizes his action in driving out phallic cults, which were represented by the exposure of the phallus, or of the snake representation, one of the most prominent symbols signifying procreation.
In ancient times the image of the phallus, or of the external portion of the female genitalia, was the most popular talisman worn by both men and women as an amulet or charm to bring "good luck." This symbol was also believed to possess the power of conferring virility or fruitfulness upon the wearer. Similar amulets, but more disguised in their symbolism, are still popular articles of feminine adornment.
Other common terms indicative of sex symbolism are the Sanskrit words lingam (or lingham), signifying the male organ, and yoni, the female.
The windows, doors and other apertures of churches and cathedrals are often made in shapes to suggest the yoni, and frequently serve as recesses for the placing of religious statuary. These, with other characteristic ecclesiastical symbol-
