What Japanese Geisha Costume Means

Conveying the control of a woman in the most placid and sensible way is what being a Geisha all about. They manifest beauty, mystery, intelligence, and inner strength. They may appear like they are mellow servants meant to entertain and amuse male guests but behind that colorful garb and face is a person of impeccable abilities.

The Geisha is an illustrious symbol of the Japanese culture. They are coveted by men and envied by women. They look different in their Japanese Geisha costume that consists of:

1. White base mask, red lipstick, drawn eyes and eyebrows and heavy makeup; this is the traditional makeup that is worn by Geishas. Applying it is dreary and it takes years to study and perfect the application. It starts with an oil or binstsule-abura and then a white powder paste. The lips are colored partially; only full-pledged Geisha colors the upper lip. The heavy makeup is carried for almost three years by a maiko or trainee with assistance from a onee-san or mentor, or okaa-san or mother of her Geisha house.

2. A Geisha always dresses using a colorful kimono with pocketed sleeves called furi. An overstated obi is tied in various ways. It can be tied in a style called Kyoto darari or Tokyo hangyoku. Older Geisha wear their obis in a subdued style called taiko musubi. The kimono worn on other celebrations have a variety of pattern and fashion. Their foot wears may either be flat-soled sandal zori for the outdoors and tabi or white split-toad socks for indoors. During bad weather, a Geisha wears wooden clogs or geta while a maiko wears okobo.

3. A hair comb or a kanzashi is the thing that is used when putting the hair of a Geisha's in a traditional bun called shimada or the chignon. There are four styles of shimada used by Geishas and these are: the taka shimada worn by young, single Geishas; the tsubushi shimada, a flattened chignon worn by older Geishas; the uiwata where the shimada is held up by colored cotton crepe; and Momoware is intended for the maiko. There are other hairstyles and many also use wigs; but, maikos have to use their own hair.

Traditional Japanese Geisha costume looks so gorgeous. It is a costume that holds so many meanings that is only intended to a rare breed of Japanese ladies.