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by Kate Walker on November 17th, 2005

Kate Walker

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What is a geisha girl?

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  • by lynnenorth on December 5th, 2005

    lynnenorth

    The word "Geisha" simply means "artist" or "performer". The skills of a Geisha need to include flawless appearance, the ability to play an instrument and sing, sometimes skill at dance, the ability to converse on subjects of culture and philosophy, and absolutely impeccable etiquette, including the training to host a full formal tea ceremony. Traditionally, Geisha were NOT prostitutes; they were "private entertainers", professional hostesses and artists who functioned partly as companions and partly as soothing background for upper-class Japanese men, but that did not include sexual services unless the Geisha voluntarily chose to take a lover. The link to prostitution was developed during the occupation decades after WWII, and is regarded as a regrettable association and something to be combatted if possible by the modern Geishas.

    There is an excellent article on Wiki:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geisha

    Comments

    • Oh? Thanks for setting the record straight!

      HungryGuy

      by HungryGuy on January 7th, 2006

    • I agree completely with lynnenorth. I see so many questions pertaining to Geisha, and so many answers saying they were courtesans and prostitutes when this wasn't the case. Geisha were living, breathing art. It was the Oiran, a high-class courtesan that they evolved from that gave them the bad name. Oiran painted their faces and wore elaborate kimono, but sold their bodies for profit.

      Brighid

      by Brighid on August 13th, 2009

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