What is a Geisha?

A Geisha is both female or male. That is right I said a Geisha can be either sex. Indeed originally men were the first geishas (Japanese crossdressers). By the 18th century however, females dominated the profession. Geishas are trained in the art of serving and entertaining.

Geishas are also trained to serve both men and women!

There are 2 main stages to a Geisha's training, but actually 4 steps in the total journey. Most have heard the terms Maiko and Geisha, but there are actually 2 steps prior to that.

1) "Shikomi" - This work actually means "in training". The first six months one is considered a "Shikomi". During this stage a Shikomi does all the chores that maids do as well as assist Maiko and Geiko. It is sort of a breaking in period to get used to living in the house and the whole idea of training. The shikomi will begin to become accustomed to the discipline she will face. She will begin to learn a an older, more formal style of vocabulary which is a Kyoto dialect. She will learn to wear kimono.

2) "Miniari" - After the 6 months or so as Shikomi, the young girl enters a period of learning by observing, called Miniari.  It is at this stage she will learn to wear the white porcelain face.  She will begin to carry a fan, her lipstick and other accoutrements in her bag wherever she goes.  They will observe parties and other social encounters.

3)  "Maiko" -  the apprentice geisha, historically a young girl still a virgin. She is now formally a part of the world of geisha. There is a big ceremony at this stage. Here training intensifies. She will wear a white collar during this training time. Training normally lasts 5-7 years.

4) "Geiko" -  the trained geisha.  Historically this happened at about age 20.  Geisha now wears a white collar with her kimono, which is called "eriage" (the changing of the collar).

Traditionally, one could not become a "Geiko" until she lost her virginity, which happened in a special ceremony.

Geisha historically did not marry, as they did not believe in love.  They considered love an emotion for the irrational.

Today's Geisha can be a woman from any walk of life. You may be a housewife or collared submissive, a school teacher, or exotic dancer. Women from every station of life are desirous to learn to be a Geisha.

Understand please that a Geisha never was and is not a prostitute. That geishas are just high class hookers is a myth.

The word geisha, in its simplest form means "artist". She is a person of beauty, one who lives by the arts. The geisha is an artist, skilled in many traditional arts only one being art of pleasuring , but she is usually not assertive when it comes to sex.  She pleasures with a true submissive heart.

While the geisha is highly trained to be seductive, flirtatious, and sensually alluring, she is more, much more. She intelligent & knowledgeable of many disciplines. She is articulate and witty. She is skilled in the fine arts of music and dance. She uses all of this bring a rich and fulfilling experience of great pleasure to her consorts.

She is skilled in serving the traditional tea ceremony, playing the Shamisen (a three stringed instrument), all the entertainment and serving graces.

Her dress is elegantly traditional.

~Tatu

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