The duty and role of a geisha is very important to the Japanese culture. They have entertained noble and wealthy people since the 1600s in the Edo period. Most people think that geisha are just women who wear too much makeup, wear kimonos, and wooden slippers. There is a lot more to them and their craft than people think. In fact, it takes many years of training and studying to be able to entertain for the higher class. Geisha usually work and entertain people at teahouse and parties. They are known for holding traditional tea ceremonies and for entertaining people using the fine arts.
To become a geisha, the process begins with making the decision to becoming a geisha. In the early ages of the geisha, their training would have begun at the age of 13, but because of different laws and reforms in japan, it now starts at the age of 16. In making that decision, they agree to move away from home, live in an okiya (a geisha house), and learn the intense ways of the geisha. A girl who begins her training before the age of 21 is called a maiko. Maiko learn how to entertain people by singing, …show more content…
They are most known for their ornate style of clothing and unique makeup. The origin of the white painted face is unknown, but one theory states that the Japanese people were influenced by the Chinese culture during the Heian Era (794-1185 A.D.). In that time, Chinese women used rice powder and water to create a white foundation. They also painted false eyebrows in the middle of their foreheads and pained their lips red. To finish off their look, they would stain their teeth black. This custom is now used by maiko before they become geisha and kabuki actors. The Japanese geisha use similar techniques to these when they do their makeup. Geisha clothing is very ornate and is decorated with different flowers, designs, and patterns. There was also a specific way to put on the clothing and to tailor it to a
To become a geisha, the process begins with making the decision to becoming a geisha. In the early ages of the geisha, their training would have begun at the age of 13, but because of different laws and reforms in japan, it now starts at the age of 16. In making that decision, they agree to move away from home, live in an okiya (a geisha house), and learn the intense ways of the geisha. A girl who begins her training before the age of 21 is called a maiko. Maiko learn how to entertain people by singing, …show more content…
They are most known for their ornate style of clothing and unique makeup. The origin of the white painted face is unknown, but one theory states that the Japanese people were influenced by the Chinese culture during the Heian Era (794-1185 A.D.). In that time, Chinese women used rice powder and water to create a white foundation. They also painted false eyebrows in the middle of their foreheads and pained their lips red. To finish off their look, they would stain their teeth black. This custom is now used by maiko before they become geisha and kabuki actors. The Japanese geisha use similar techniques to these when they do their makeup. Geisha clothing is very ornate and is decorated with different flowers, designs, and patterns. There was also a specific way to put on the clothing and to tailor it to a