What was the role of Geishas in Japanese society? And is there any equivalent position in Western society?

by sharryhanker
queenblackacid

Regarding the latter question, I'm not aware of an equivalent to the geisha in western society. We do not have female entertainers whose role stops at the bedroom. The closest role I can think of is that of an escort, but I feel uncomfortable drawing that parallel due to the misconception that geisha are prostitutes.