Gracing of Nippon

Beauty of a Geisha

To walk a path
That brings beauty to the soul
Which becomes a beacon
From within
To shine as a light
To the outer beauty
That is upon the surface
That the world beholds.

-HRM Deborah

Flower and Willow

This poem was written many years ago, when I had seen a picture of a Geisha for the first time from a small book that came from prewar Nippon and already knew some first hand information about them that I have gained over time and continue to do so.

An apprentice Geisha in Kyoto, Japan (Nippon) is called, “Maiko;” which the photograph above appears to be, one of these beautiful “Maiko’s," which in time will be a full Geisha.

The society or world of the Geisha is known as “Flower and Willow Society.”

True Femininity: The Geisha

True femininity is as delicate as rice paper, while it is beautiful to see one is most careful when it comes to touch.

A woman of honest grace and beauty, safeguards their cultural traditions for the betterment of not just themselves, but their given society.

They are not given to little spine or lack of thought, but to the contrary; for this is not just an endowing feature of true femininity; but equality within society, such as the profession of business.

As in my country the comparison of a true feminine woman as the fanning peacock, while they are most beautiful and graceful; nevertheless, they are not known as a personal helpless bird; but yet their world is protected.

If one has even a small chance to gaze from a distance inside and Okiya, one will find not only these wonderful attributes, but exceptional forms of art, discipline, training and religion; which myself understands very much.

But most importantly, the world of the Maiko and the Geiko; is one as a whole; that reminds of the beauty of the spring white cherry blossoms.


Terminology

Okiya: The Geisha house where the Maiko and Geiko live in Kyoto, Japan (Nippon).

Maiko: An apprentice Kyoto Geisha.

Geiko: A full Geisha, especially in Kyoto.

Geisha in Kyoto wearing Kimono walking on a street