becoming a full geisha; geisha promotion ceremony
Refers to the ceremony where a maiko (apprentice geisha) or hangyoku (half-jewel) changes her collar from red to white, symbolizing her transition to a full geisha. A specialized term from the Kyoto and Tokyo geisha world.
When a maiko undergoes erigae, she is treated as a full-fledged geisha.
On the day of her erigae, she changed into a white collar.
Standard kanji spelling for the geisha promotion ceremony.
Variant spelling using 換 (exchange) instead of 替 (replace); both are seen.
Compound of 襟 (eri, 'collar') and 替え (kae, 'change, replacement'), referring to the collar-changing ceremony. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but the practice is well-established in traditional geisha districts.