Shirabyoshi

A woodblock print of the most famous shirabyoshi, Shizuka who was the lover of Yoshitsune.

Shirabyoshi (白拍子) were dancers that performed traditional Japanese dances (also called "shirabyoshi") dressed as men. The profession of shirabyoshi developed in the 12th century. They would perform for nobles and high-ranking samurai, and at celebrations.

They are sometimes referred to as courtesans in the West, but the term refers to a high-class prostitute, so this is rather incorrect. By nature they were performers, though some shirabyoshi would give birth to nobles' children, but this was not their purpose.

History

Shirabyoshi came about in the late Heian period. It was time of cultural change, so in order for some women to survive they turned to performing. After their inception, Japan experienced a shirabyoshi boom in which many women became shirabyoshi because of their popularity. A shirabyoshi was always a woman who dressed in men's attire, performing dances for the gods. The name shirabyoshi meant "white rhythm", partly because of their make-up, and their songs were slow and rhythmic. They were required to be educated, being able to both read and write - they were talented poets, musicians, singers, and dancers.

It has been said that the shirabyoshi culture greatly influenced Noh drama by bringing forth kusemai, an unorthodox dancing and introducing it to Noh.

Attire and appearance

Shirabyoshi were recognizable for the outfit they would wear, which was Shinto inspired. It truly was a man's outfit, as it featured:
* An tate-eboshi hat, worn by samurai
* A tachi, a samurai's sword
* Red hakama, worn primarily by men
* White suikan and red suikan, a male Shinto outfit
* A kawahori hand fan, which men carried

Shirabyoshi wore the trademark white facial make-up of Geisha, completely covering their face and neck and painting new eyebrows higher on the forehead. Their hair was rather simple: it was long (sometimes nearly to the floor) and pulled back into a loose ponytail secured with a ribbon called a takenaga.

Music

Shirabyoshi songs were mostly based on Buddhist prayers. The songs were usually slow and rhythmic, with great meaning in the words. They also would sing Imayo songs, which were poems using images of nature to convey meanings of circumstances in their lives. Trademarks of their music included their voices, the drum and the flute.

Famous shirabyoshi

Shizuka

Shizuka, commonly referred to as Shizuka-gozen, was the concubine and lover of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, the tragic hero of many folk legends. She was possibly born in 1168, and is popular in folk legends herself. She and Yoshitsune met and fell in love, but by the time she had become pregnant, Yoshitsune was on the run for his life. She was captured and taken to Minamoto no Yoritomo in Kamakura, Yoshitsune's older half-brother. There she gave birth to a son, who was promptly killed by Yoritomo. She was then forced to perform a dance for Yoritomo and his wife Hojo Masako at a temple celebration, where she sang a song of praise for her love Yoshitsune. This greatly angered Yoritomo, and he intended on having her put to death but his wife begged for Shizuka's life. She was freed and sought to follow Yoshitsune, but she learned of his death. She became a nun and died in 1189. Her song is famous and is still sung today by Geisha.

Gio and Hotoke

The story of Gio and Hotoke is long and involved, but basically tells of the most famous shirabyoshi Gio, who had won the heart of Taira no Kiyomori, being ousted by a younger and more talented shirabyoshi named Hotoke. Kiyomori cruelly sent Gio away, which grieved her greatly, and Hotoke was constantly ridden with guilt. A year later, Gio was asked to perform a dance for Hotoke at Kiyomori's command, who actually intended on humiliating her. In her grief and humiliation, Gio, her sister and their mother became nuns seeking for a happier life. A few years later, the guilt was too great for Hotoke and she became a nun. She asked for forgiveness from Gio, who willingly forgave her and the four women lived out the rest of their days in prayer.

The full story is at The Story of Gio.

Shirabyoshi: Encyclopedia BETA

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