Picture yourself walking through the small streets of Kyoto at night. Soft light fills the air, and you hear gentle music in the distance. You peep into a teahouse and see her: a geisha in a beautiful silk kimono, looking like a porcelain doll with perfect grace and elegance. It feels like she’s from a different planet. She plays the shamisen, her fingers dancing over the strings, freezing time momentarily. This is the magic of a geisha who transports the guests to a world of tradition and artistry.
A geisha’s life is extraordinary — they are artists, dancers, musicians, and storytellers. Their life is all about beauty, grace, and mastering traditional arts. But who are geishas? Let’s explore and find out!
Origins and history
The geisha tradition began in the 1600s (Edo period). A geisha is a traditional Japanese performer skilled in arts like music, dance, and witty conversation.
Geishas can be male or female, but today, you can find only women geishas. Female geishas are called geiko (meaning “arts child”) in Kyoto and geisha in other parts of Japan. They entertain guests usually in teahouses called Ochaya.
In the 13th century, male geishas, taiko mochi, entertained the feudal lords by telling stories, playing music, and amusing them. After female geishas appeared in the 18th century, they became popular enough to dominate the profession and eventually outnumbered taiko mochis.
A glimpse into the life of a geisha: a world of dedication
Unfortunately for geishas, people often conflate their trade with courtesans or prostitutes. This may be due to actual prostitutes adopting the traditional look to appear more attractive; but geishas are not prostitutes whatsoever. They are esteemed artisans dedicated to preserving and performing traditional Japanese arts.
As artists dedicated to their craft, geisha’s interactions with clients are professional and centered around cultural appreciation. With their dedication to tradition and beauty, they act as cultural ambassadors, inspiring respect and admiration.
Becoming a geisha is not an easy task, and their life is unlike any other. It’s not just a job; it’s a calling that demands passion, devotion, and discipline. It requires hard work and rigorous training from childhood. It takes many years to fully master the skills.
Throughout the training, they are called maiko, or apprentices. For several hours a day, they practice dance, musical instruments, singing, and learning intricate rituals like the tea ceremony.
Training as a Maiko
Learning arts: Maikos learn to play the shamisen (a traditional string instrument), dance, and sing.
Developing skills: They study the tea ceremony, floral decorations, and how to speak politely. They are also taught how to converse with guests and tell stories and jokes.
Physical appearance: A maiko learns how to wear a kimono, style her hair, and apply traditional white makeup.
However, training isn’t just about skills; it’s about attitude. Maiko are taught how to walk with grace, speak with charm, and make their guests feel special.
After years of hard work, a maiko skilled in the Japanese arts of poetry, classical dance, and music finally becomes a full-fledged geisha. Geishas are more independent and wear simpler, elegant kimonos compared to the bright ones worn by maikos.
Daily life of a geisha
A geisha’s life is highly disciplined and revolves around training, performing, and maintaining their image of elegance.
Morning: They devote their morning to preparing for events, practicing their music or dance skills, and dressing in elaborate kimonos. Dressing takes time, as their outfits and hairstyles are detailed and traditional.
Afternoon and Evening: Mostly, the second half of the day is spent entertaining guests in tea houses or banquets. Their performances may include dancing, playing instruments, serving tea, and engaging in conversation with guests to make them feel happy and relaxed.
Their lifestyle requires constant upkeep, including wearing traditional makeup and maintaining their appearance. Geishas live in okiya (geisha houses), especially during their early training years.
Geishas today
There used to be thousands of geishas in Japan, but now they are limited to a few hundred, and they are only seen in Kyoto and Tokyo.
Still, these few geishas are dedicated to keeping traditions alive while adapting to contemporary demands. They perform at festivals, teach younger women, and help preserve Japanese culture. Tourists may catch a glimpse of a geisha at special events or performances.
Connection to Japanese tradition and culture
Geishas serve as a bridge between the past and the present. They uphold the beauty of tradition and the importance of art. They live in a world that feels like a dream, full of music, dance, and peaceful moments of grace.
Representing the heart of Japanese tradition and artistry, geishas preserve and pass on ancient performing arts, music and dress. Equally important, they perpetuate a graceful sense of refinement integral to Japan’s cultural heritage.
From The Vision Times
