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well if you are absolutely fascinated by geishas and this blog doesn't give you all the answers follow these links to learn more than your brain can contain!

geishas


geishas

some traditional geisha dancing

Like geishas? well watch this video to see them in action. and experience some real japanese culture(with traditional background music!)

geisha training

Since there aren't many people who want to endure the hard training necessary to become a geisha girl, the number of geisha is decreasing. Young girls who wish to become a geisha girl are usually introduced to an o-chaya through someone who has a connection to the teahouse. The head woman of an o-chaya, called okami, interviews the girl with her parents, explaining how the training goes. If the okami accepts the girl as an apprentice to her o-chaya, the girl can begin her training immediately and live in the o-chaya if she has graduated from a middle school. Once a girl becomes a geisha trainee, she can't quit for 5 to 6 years. While helping with the chores and errands of the house, the young girl learns customs and social skills and begins music and dance lessons. After about a half-year, she becomes a young geisha girl called maiko (15-20 year old girls).
A maiko accompanies a geisha on her appointments to get to know the customers. Maiko girls wear a colorful kimono with long sleeves and high wooden shoes. Usually, when a maiko becomes 20 years old, she decides whether she will quit or become a geisha. If she gets married, she has to quit the job. If a maiko girl decides to become a geisha, the ceremony called "erigae" (literally means changes of collars) is held.

the roles of a geisha

There are many misconceptions about the role of Geisha women. Geishas are not prostitutes, they do not prepare food, they never have one night stands, and they are not wives. There is a specific role Geisha women play in Japanese society. Geishas do have certain relationships with men. It is common and encouraged for Geisha to have a client called a “dannana which Geisha’s are more personally engaged with emotionally and sexually. However, Geisha’s have the option to not have a danna. Generally, Geisha’s perform for business banquets or other such parties with their elite dancing and singing skills. “Tachikata a traditional dance performed often by Geishas. The intricate use of the fan is also favored amongst Geishas.

history of the geisha

Beginning in the 11^th century, two women created a dance and performed for warriors by dressing in white attire, which was the warriors’ court apparel. This dance caught on to other women and became more popular in Japanese culture. It was believed that for a certain time, it was men who dressed in women attire, and they were considered Geishas. However, in the 1700’s, the trend of the Geisha erupted in popular culture. The use of white makeup, elaborate kimonos, and wooden shoes became the new look of the Geisha