Geishas are often confused with courtesans, actresses. Geisha combine all the qualities of a woman's nature, thanks to which a man next to them feels exalted and elated.
The meaning of geisha in Japanese culture
Literally from Japanese, geisha is translated as "man of art", as it consists of two hieroglyphs, one of which means the word "man", the other - "art." Already from the etymology of the word, one can guess that geisha are not Japanese courtesans. For the latter, there are separate words in Japanese - joro, yujo.
Geisha perfectly mastered the art of being a woman. They lifted the spirits of men, creating an atmosphere of joy, ease and liberation. This was achieved thanks to songs, dances, jokes (often with erotic overtones), a tea ceremony, which were demonstrated by geisha in men's companies, along with casual conversation.
Geisha entertained men both at social events and on personal dates. At a tete-a-tete meeting, there was also no place for intimate relationships. A geisha can have sex with her patron, who deprived her of her virginity. For geisha, this is a ritual called mizu-age, which accompanies the transition from a student, maiko, to a geisha.
If a geisha gets married, then she must leave the profession. Before leaving, she sends her clients, patron, teachers boxes with treats - boiled rice, informing that she has broken ties with them.
Outwardly, geisha are distinguished by a characteristic make-up with a thick layer of powder and bright red lips that make a woman's face look like a mask, as well as an old, high, lush hairstyle. The traditional clothing of geisha is kimono, the main colors of which are black, red and white.
Modern geisha
It is believed that the profession of geisha originated in the city of Kyoto in the 17th century. The neighborhoods of the city where the geisha houses are located are called hanamati (flower streets). There is a school for girls, where from the age of seven or eight they are taught to sing, dance, conduct a tea ceremony, play the national Japanese instrument shamisen, conduct a conversation with a man, and also teach how to make up and put on a kimono - everything that should be known and be able to geisha.
When the capital of Japan was moved to Tokyo in the 70s of the XIX century, noble Japanese, who made up the bulk of geisha clients, also moved there. Geisha festivals, which are held at regular intervals in Kyoto, were able to save their craft from the crisis and have become its trademark.
After World War II, Japan was taken over by popular culture, leaving Japanese national traditions in the background. The number of geisha has dropped significantly, but those who have remained faithful to the profession consider themselves to be the guardians of the true Japanese culture. Many continue to fully follow the old way of life of a geisha, some only partially. But being in a geisha society still remains the prerogative of the elite strata of the population.
