Who are geisha, today, perhaps, many people know outside of Japan. Although in most cases they have only approximate ideas. Some think of them as glorified courtesans capable of captivating men with graceful amusements and sensual pleasures. They wear white makeup and brightly colored kimonos.
In fact, this is far from being 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. Suffice it to recall the images described by Arthur Golden in his novel Memoirs of a Geisha.
But to be honest, not every modern Japanese is able to give a detailed answer to the question of who a geisha is. Not everyone has ever seen them at all.
First of all, it is a profession. Like all nouns in Japanese, this word does not have singular and plural variants, it consists of two kanji: "gei" - a person (performer), "sya" - art.
Institute of Traditional Artists starteddevelop in the middle of the eighteenth century in the so-called "pleasure districts" in the major cities of Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto). During that period of time, the question of who a geisha was was easier to answer. They were men, a kind of entertainers who were invited to entertain clients who came to the courtesans with music and jokes. Gradually they were replaced by dancers called "geiko" (Kyoto dialect). They proved to be more successful and popular.
This term is still used to refer to a girl in a senior-ranking profession, but also to distinguish an artist practicing traditional arts from a prostitute who mimics some of the secrets of a geisha (attire, make-up, name). The student is called "maiko" ("dancing child"). She is characterized by white make-up, complex hairstyle, bright kimono - the elements from which the stereotype of the image in the West has developed.
Professional training starts at a very early age. In the past, some poor people sold girls to the okiya ("established home") located in the hanamachi ("city of flowers") districts in order to ensure a relatively prosperous future for them. Later, this practice disappeared, and Japanese geishas began to raise their loved ones (daughters, nieces) as successors.
In modern times, most of them also live in traditional houses, especially during the period of study. With the exception of some experienced and highly sought-after artists who prefer complete independencein life and career. Girls who decide to devote themselves to a profession begin their studies after graduating from high school or college. They learn literature, play instruments such as shamisen, shahukati, drums, perform traditional songs and dances, and lead the tea ceremony. According to many, Kyoto is a place where the cultural traditions of these artists are strong. People who understand who geisha are invite them to participate in various celebrations in special restaurants (“ryotei”). The whole procedure is purely formal, starting with the ordering of performers through the office of their union.
