L
Luis Paredes
Geisha originated as skilled professional entertainers; originally most were
male. Geisha used their skills in traditional Japanese arts, music, dance,
and storytelling. Town (machi) geisha worked freelance at parties outside
the various pleasure quarters, while quarter (kuruwa) geisha entertained at
parties within the pleasure quarters. As the artistic skills of high-ranking
courtesans declined, the skills of the geisha, who were both male and
female, became more in demand.
Male geisha (sometimes known as hokan) gradually began to decline, and by
1800 female geisha (originally known as onna geisha, literally "woman
geisha") outnumbered them by three to one, and the term "geisha" came to be
understood as referring to skilled female entertainers, as it does today.
Traditionally, geisha began their training at a very young age. Some girls
were sold to geisha houses as children, and began their training in various
traditional arts almost immediately.
During their childhood, geisha sometimes worked first as maids or assistants
to experienced geisha, and then as apprentice geisha (maiko) during their
training. This tradition of apprentice training exists as well in other
traditions in Japan, when a student lives at the home of a master, starting
out doing housework and assisting the master, and eventually becoming a
master himself or herself.
Contrary to some Western beliefs, geisha must not be exposed to any sexual
activity.
male. Geisha used their skills in traditional Japanese arts, music, dance,
and storytelling. Town (machi) geisha worked freelance at parties outside
the various pleasure quarters, while quarter (kuruwa) geisha entertained at
parties within the pleasure quarters. As the artistic skills of high-ranking
courtesans declined, the skills of the geisha, who were both male and
female, became more in demand.
Male geisha (sometimes known as hokan) gradually began to decline, and by
1800 female geisha (originally known as onna geisha, literally "woman
geisha") outnumbered them by three to one, and the term "geisha" came to be
understood as referring to skilled female entertainers, as it does today.
Traditionally, geisha began their training at a very young age. Some girls
were sold to geisha houses as children, and began their training in various
traditional arts almost immediately.
During their childhood, geisha sometimes worked first as maids or assistants
to experienced geisha, and then as apprentice geisha (maiko) during their
training. This tradition of apprentice training exists as well in other
traditions in Japan, when a student lives at the home of a master, starting
out doing housework and assisting the master, and eventually becoming a
master himself or herself.
Contrary to some Western beliefs, geisha must not be exposed to any sexual
activity.