Glossary

Bira Kanzashi - Hairpins with dangling pieces that make tinkling noises when the wearer moves

Chado - Tea Ceremony

Danna - A geisha's main patron. He pays for her home, Kimono, wigs, and other accessories. Being a Danna to a Geisha is exclusive, as it is extremely expensive ("Husband")

Enseki / Ozashiki - Banquet

Erikae O Suru - The turning of the collar. A Maiko (apprentice) wears a red collar until she becomes a full Geisha. When she becomes a full Geisha, there will be a ceremony and from then on she will wear a white collar.

Furisode - Long swinging sleeved kimono of the Maiko

Gei - "Art skills"

Geisha - "One who is skilled in the arts"

Geiko - "Woman of Art"

Geta - Wooden summer sandal

Goshugi - Tip given to Geiko by clients

Hanadai / Ohana - Price paid to spend time with Geiko and Maiko

Hanamachi - Licensed areas of Japan where Geiko and Maiko live and entertain

Hana Kanzashi - Flower hairpins favored by Maiko

Hangyoku - Tokyo term for Maiko

Haori - A jacket worn over the kimono. It was originally men's wear, but the Geisha made it fashionable for women

Hiki-Iwai - Retirement of a Geiko

Hima-Wo-Morau - Permanent separation of Geiko and her Danna

Ikebana / Kado - The art of flower arrangement

Iki - "Chic"

Jikata - Geisha who plays music

Kabuki - Lively dramatic theatre. Geisha have always been known to frequent Kabuki theatres

Kamuro - a child attendant

Kanzashi - Hairpins

Kasa - Traditional Japanese paper oiled umbrella

Ketabo - Paper inserts used to fill in an reinforce the hair

Ko-uta - Short songs to sing or be played on the Shamisan

Maiko - An apprentice to a geisha ("Woman of Dance")

Mama-san - Owner of a teahouse

Mazu - Pay off from Danna to Geiko to separate permanently

Minarai - To learn form watching

Minarai-san - Apprentice Maiko

Mizuage - Ritual deflowering of Maiko (not practiced anymore)

Momoware - Split peach hairstyle worn by Kyoto Maiko

Naga-uta - Long songs to be sung or played on the Shamisen

Noshi-bukuro - Decorative envelopes used to give tips to Geiko

Obi - The sash used to tie the kimono around the middle

Okasan - Owner/Manager of a Geisha establishment ("Mother")

Okobo - Tall sandals worn by Maiko

Okii-Okasan - Senior Okasan

Oneesan - A older Geisha who takes on an apprentice ("Older Sister")

Oniisan - Term used to address clients ("Older Brother")

Otokosu - Dresser

Otasan - Term used to address owners of restaurants and textile merchants ("Father")

Ozashiki - The room where a Geisha entertains

Shidashi - Special kitchen that supply Ochaya with banquest (Ochaya do not have their own kitchens, and must order out)

Shodo - Calligraphy

Tachikata - Geisha who performs dances

Taikomochi - Male Geisha (also known as a Houkan)

Tayu - high ranking courtesans

Yakata / Okiya - Geisha residence

Zori - Sandal

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