mizuage
1
9.9
- noun
- Offensive
- The apprentice geisha prepared for her mizuage ceremony, knowing it marked her transition to adulthood.
- mizuage patron
Examples
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Today is the day I accept bids for your mizuage.
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The fee for my mizuage was more than enough to repay all my debts to the okiya.
Fiction book (1997) -
"It's strange and very hard to explain, but the world looked different to me after mizuage.
Fiction book (1997) -
You will be examined at the mizuage ceremony.
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"Keep in mind that an apprentice on the point of having her mizuage is like a meal served on the table."
Fiction book (1997) -
Mameha had told me a little about mizuage, but it seemed to me I was about to learn more.
Fiction book (1997) -
I'm sure all apprentices feel changed by the experience of mizuage in much the same way I did.
Fiction book (1997) -
Of all the important moments in the life of a geisha, mizuage certainly ranks as high as any.
Fiction book (1997) -
Which means that the time has come for your mizuage, Sayuri, whether you're ready for it or not.
Fiction book (1997) -
I had a new respect for the ones who had been through mizuage and felt much more worldly than the ones who hadn't.
Fiction book (1997)
Surface Forms
Etymology
Mizuage comes from the Japanese parts mizu 'water' and age 'to raise'. A helpful way to remember it is to imagine someone being 'lifted' into adult life, because mizuage was a traditional coming-of-age ceremony for apprentice geishas. Historically this ceremony at times involved a patron paying for the young woman's passage into adulthood, which is why the practice is controversial today.