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GEISHA ??
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TAZI Sanaâ, 1ESG, classe5
Année scolaire : 2006/2007
GEISHA ??
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I. Definition
The word is divided into two words: ? (gei) meaning "art" and ? (sha) meaning "person". The most direct translation of geisha into english would be "artist" or "arts person."
Another term used in Japan is geiko (??). Geiko is used to distinguish geisha practiced in traditional arts from onsen geisha, who are prostitutes that have co-opted the term geisha.
In tea houses (called Okiya), geisha are professional hostesses who entertain guests through various performing arts and traditional skills such as: Japanese ancient dance, singing, playing instruments (Shamisen), flower arrangement, wearing kimono, tea ceremony, calligraphy, conversation, alcohol serving manners and more…
Geisha continue to study and perfect these skills throughout their careers.
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A successful geisha must demonstrate beauty, grace, artistic talent, charm, impeccable etiquette, and refinement and culture.
II. Origin and History
Between the 7th and the 13th centuries, geisha would perform for the nobility and some even became concubines to the emperor.
It was in the late 16th century that the first Okiya was built in Japan and was considered as a place of refine ...