Who are geishas, today, perhaps, many people know outside of Japan. Although in most cases they possess only rough ideas. Someone thinks of them as illustrious courtesans who can captivate men with exquisite entertainments and sensual pleasures. They apply white makeup and dress in bright kimonos.
In fact, this is far from the case, but it must be said that misconceptions were often actively supported by people who managed to get in touch with this phenomenon in Japanese culture. It is enough to recall the images described by Arthur Golden in his novel "Memoirs of a Geisha."
But honestly, not every modern Japanese is able to give a thorough answer to the question of who the geisha are. Not everyone has ever seen them at all.
First of all, this is a profession. Like all nouns in Japanese, this word has no singular and plural variants , it consists of two kanji: “gay” - a person (performer), “sya” - art.
The Institute of Traditional Artists began to develop in the mid-eighteenth century in the so-called “pleasure districts” in major cities in Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto). At that time, the question About, who the geisha were was easier to answer. These were men, a kind of entertainer, who were invited to entertain clients who came to the courtesans, music and jokes. Gradually, they were replaced by dancers called "geiko" (Kyoto dialect). They turned out to be more successful and popular.
This term is still used in relation to a girl in a senior profession, but also in order to distinguish an artist practicing traditional arts from a prostitute who imitates some of the secrets of a geisha (dress, make-up, name). The student is called "maiko" ("dancing child"). She is characterized by white make-up, a complex hairstyle, and a bright kimono - those elements that formed the image's stereotype in the West.
Training begins at a very young age. In the past, some poor people sold girls in oqiya (the “established house”), which were located in the hanamati (“city of flowers”) districts in order to provide them with a relatively prosperous future. Later, this practice disappeared, and the Japanese geisha began to educate their close people (daughters, nieces) as successors.
In modern times, most of them also live in traditional houses, especially during the training period. With the exception of some experienced and very popular artists who prefer complete independence in life and career. Girls who decide to devote themselves to the profession begin training after graduating from high school or college. They study literature, play instruments such as shamisen, shahukati, drums, perform traditional songs and dances, and conduct a tea ceremony. According to many, Kyoto is a place where the cultural traditions of these artists are strong. People who understand who the geisha are are inviting them to participate in various celebrations in special restaurants (« » »). The whole procedure is purely formal, starting with the order of the performers through the office of their union.