An esoteric club existed in England in the eighteenth century that was associated with the British Navy. It was called The Very Ancient and Very Powerful Order of Beggars Benison and Merryland. On the seal of this Society, among other and naval designs, was a phallic symbol. The intent of the Society is still obscure, especially the relation between naval matters and the phallus.
Amulets in the form of the male mandrake came into vogue in the Middle Ages, especially in Central Europe, for apotropaic and amatory purposes. These charms were associated with incantations and magic formulas and recitatives.
The phallus or fascinum, too, especially in France, was used, as a meaningful protective agent, on buildings and even on churches.
Phallic and other genital forms were also used for cakes and breads: and are still so used, especially in Germany and France.
In the Middle Ages Priapus assumed Christian characteristics and in time was even endowed with sanctity, although he still retained his functional properties. In many cities of Southern France, for instance, Saint Foutin was virtually a transferred Priapus. He aided sterile women and renewed the amatory vigor of men. Images of genitalia were included among the sacrificial objects dedicated to this saint.
In medieval France a certain Saint Greluchon was a cryptic Priapus, venerated among the members of the saintly canon. When women made supplication to this saint, they scraped off minute particles from the stone genitalia and compounded these scrapings into an amatory potion, and also as an aid to counteract sterility.
Other saints to whom were attributed the virtues and functions of Priapus were: Saint Guignolet, Saint Regnaud, Saint Gilles.