🕓 2024/7/27
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In Japanese culture, geishas hold a unique place. They embody beauty, artistry, and tradition. This article delves deep into the world of geishas, unraveling their allure.
A geisha is a highly trained entertainer embodying traditional Japanese culture.
They are aptly named 'geisha', meaning 'person who performs arts', skilled in traditional arts like dance, music, and the tea ceremony.
Contrary to common misconceptions, geishas are not prostitutes but experts in presenting traditional Japanese dance and music.
They are artisans and cultural ambassadors of Japanese culture, entertaining guests with their talent and dedication.
Geishas are significant symbols of Japanese culture, fascinating people worldwide.
The history of geishas can be summarized by era as follows.
1. Origin in the Edo Period (18th century):
The history of geishas dates back to the 18th century Edo period. Initially, geishas were men entertaining guests with music, dance, and conversation. In 1751, the first female geisha appeared, gradually shifting the profession to be female-dominated.
2. Official Recognition and Role Establishment (1813):
In 1813, the first official geishas were recognized in Kyoto, 55 years before the Meiji Restoration symbolizing rapid modernization in Japan. Even after the fall of the shogunate, geishas continued to thrive.
From this information, it's clear that the history of geishas started with male entertainers and evolved into the contemporary form of predominantly female geishas, skilled in traditional Japanese arts like music, dance, and poetry, fulfilling the role of 'person who performs arts'.
The historical types of geisha are as follows：
1. Maiko
Maikos are young women in training to become professional entertainers, typically seen in Kyoto, where the tradition originated. The word 'maiko' means 'dancing child'.
2. Geiko
Once maikos perfect their skills, they are conferred the title of 'geiko', signifying they are no longer apprentices but fully qualified, sophisticated professionals. This title is used in the Kyoto area, where they receive training in dialect, local traditions, and preparation for ceremonies.
3. Hangyoku
Hangyoku are women in training to become professional entertainers in areas outside Kyoto. They are trained under different values than maikos. The word 'hangyoku' means 'half-jewel', as they used to receive half the pay of a full geisha.
4. Geisha
After completing training as hangyoku, they are conferred the title of 'geisha'. This label is used for professional hosts and entertainers outside Kyoto, trained under different values than geikos. They engage in sophisticated cultural activities, entertaining people with conversation, games, and drinks.
From this information, we can understand the types of geishas and their historical backgrounds.
Here are some options for experiencing geisha culture:
One of the most common ways to experience geisha culture in Kyoto. Especially in the evening, you can see maikos and geikos heading to nearby teahouses in Gion.
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In Kyoto, you can experience a maiko makeover. This experience lets you try the makeup and hairstyles that real maikos and geikos wear daily and take commemorative photos.
In Kyoto's five hanamachi (flower towns), namely, Pontochō, Miyagawachō, Gion Higashi, Gion Kobu, and Kamishichiken, you can encounter maikos and geikos. These areas host various performances throughout the year, where you can enjoy traditional music, dance, and Kyoto kyo-gen.