Oiran (花魁) were courtesans in Japan. The oiran were considered a type of yujo (遊女) "woman of pleasure" or prostitute. However, they are distinguished from ordinary yujo in that they were entertainers, and many became celebrities even outside the pleasure districts.
In Japan, the snake is believed to have been a weather god (Tenko-shin) and a water god (Sui-jin) from ancient times that could call upon the rain and thunder. It is also believed that if one puts a snake's shed skin in their purse, they would become rich and seeing a white snake would bring them good fortune. The snake is seen as a good omen in Japan.