Expert: Jewel - 1/3/2009

Question
I was just courious as to why they paint their backs and leave those 2 or 3 points of skin on the back. Was that just for the movie or do they really do that? Also, why do they make them sleep on those things like in the movie that makes the necks raised? Ok last question.. why do that back all that pretty fabric on their backs? I wouldnt wanna hul that crap around all day!

Answer
Answer 1: For the geisha, the back of the neck and back is very sexy (sort of like short skirts or cleavage for Americans). They do paint the back of the neck like in the movie. The more elaborate, the more formal the occasion. For example, there may only be two forks reaching down the back or there may be three.

Answer 2: They sleep on those "pillows" because it keeps their hairstyle from getting ruined. They also put rice around the bottom of it for those who are new similar to the movie as well. It is uncomfortable at first but they get used to it.

Answer 3: All that fabric (the obi or "belt") represents wealth and artistic nature. After all, the term geisha means "art person" or "artist" so it's important that they look the part. Also, the maiko (apprentice geisha) are the ones that wear all that fabric and the geiko (full-fledged geisha) rarely wear as much.

Hope these satisfy your questions. Please let me know you would like to know more!