Post by hamada kayoko. on Jul 15, 2009 23:28:43 GMT -5
There are three main stages in a geisha's career: shikomi, maiko, and finally geiko. A shikomi is a maiko-in-training; she does chores and trains in the traditional Japanese arts. This usually lasts from a year to a year and a half. Next, the girl becomes a minarai. This lasts for about a month; the girl wears a half length darari (or dangling) obi and a busier kimono. The next stage is, of course, maiko. First the girl performs a ceremony called her 'misedashi'. Her obi is full length (almost down to her ankles) and her collar is completely red. After a few years, a maiko has her 'erikae', or 'turning of the collar'. This is when she will be a full fledged geiko. Her collar is plain white and her obi is now tied in a simpler knot. She also wears a wig, instead of using her natural hair. Geiko usually retire when they get married.
