How was it done? Feet altered by foot binding were known as lotus feet, and the shoes made for these feet were known as lotus shoes. working on her first novel. Foot-binding, which started out as a fashionable impulse, became an expression of Han identity after the Mongols invaded China in 1279. Painful Memories for China's Footbinding Survivors Millions of Chinese women bound their feet, a status symbol that allowed them to marry into money. When I first came across the tradition of foot binding, I couldn’t start wondering why an act like this was performed in China and what was the meaning behind it. Women had to start binding their feet very young for the technique to work properly. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Most mothers had their daughters' feet bound when they were two to five years old. The practice started in the 7th century CE, and despite various calls for reforms, was only banned in the early 1900s. Poorer families would often bind the feet of only their eldest daughter so that she could possibly marry up in society. 24/05/2020, 00:02. She wore plain socks, and danced on the lotus which was made of gold. It is primarily done for vanity reasons. It seems that everyone has heard of foot binding. Foot binding is an old Chinese custom of wrapping girls' feet with cloth in order to stop them from growing with age. After watching Li Yu was satisfied. 10th century to 1911. First, the feet were softened in hot water. The disturbing reason for the ancient Chinese practice of foot-binding. She does not consider if they might indicate the presence of a range of binding at that earlier time. Foot binding was important among the people in China for it was used to show the beauty of Chinese culture as well as to show the high class of the people. Foot binding symbolized a girl's family was wealthy for not allowing their daughter to work. contributor for many years. Based on Wikipedia content that has been reviewed, edited, and republished. During the process, young girls either couldn't support the pain or they usually were infected. Chinese foot binding was a notably savage technique that was around mostly in rural China until recently. 1 decade ago. Why was it done and how could such a thing have been tolerated? One legend suggests foot binding began during the reign of Li Yu (961-975) who ruled one region of china, according to historical records from Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). At the time, bound feet were a status symbol. Women who made clothes, shoes and fishing nets had no other choice but sit on a chair and produce all day long. Some Chinese legends say people started binding women's feet as early as the Shang dynasty (1700–1027 BCE). Other cultures had and have similarly deforming practices to Chinese foot binding. Chinese foot binding The bound feet, to about 10 centimeters in size, were considered to be attractive in ancient times due to their small size. The women who were from the high social class could have their feet bound since they did not have to work. But how did the actual practice start? Foot binding is an old Chinese custom of wrapping girls' feet with cloth in order to stop them from growing with age. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. Foot binding was outlawed in 1911 because it was causing many deaths. Original image by Marco L.Uploaded by Mark Cartwright, published on 26 September 2017 under the following license: Public Domain.This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. However, writing says that foot binding began at … bend daughters toes and bandaged it tightly around her feet … This is why I decided to write a 6,000 word thesis on the issue and discover its entire semiology. It was also a form of deformation. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. At a very young age, a girl's feet are bound, between 5 and 6 years. The purpose of Chinese foot binding was primarily cosmetic. It wasn’t impossible, but getting your feet back to normal could completely destroy the soles and even leave you unable to walk at all. One study from the University of San Francisco on osteoporosis in China found that women with these feet were almost twice as likely to experience falls, and were also more likely to have difficulty rising from chairs. Nevertheless, decades elapsed between official abolition and the actual end of foot binding. Answer. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Foot binding was first reported during the Five Dynasties and Ten States period in the tenth and eleventh century. When foot binding initially began, it was thought to only be performed by women who belonged to the higher classes of society, as these women had the time to bind their feet … They would break the foot and fold it in half and fold the toes under and wrap it all really tight. Binding foot could change women's entire life. Binding foot could change women's entire life. Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent wiseGEEK After any dead tissue was removed, the foot would then be immediately re-wrapped. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. How did it come about and what did it leave in its wake? Foot Binding and Lotus Shoes For over a thousand years, tiny feet were symbols of feminine beauty, elegance, and sexuality in China. Is Amazon actually giving you the best price? Foot binding, the cruel practice of mutilating the feet of young girls, was once pervasive in turn-of-the-century China, where it was seen as a sign of wealth and marriage eligibility. the practice of foot binding began to shift from a symbol of beauty to one of torture, oppression and control. It generally began when girls were 4 to 7 years old, because at that age the bones in their feet were still fairly soft and pliable, and thus easier to reshape [source: Footwear History ]. It generally began when girls were 4 to 7 years old, because at that age the bones in their feet were still fairly soft and pliable, and thus easier to reshape [source: Footwear History].. First, the feet were softened in hot water. The practice of Chinese foot binding began during the rule of Li Yu when the emperor became attracted to a concubine who had bound her feet tightly for a dance routine. Whenever it started, it was a barbaric practice. During the process, young girls either couldn't support the pain or they usually were infected. For those who are offended, it is only a joke. The same thing happened with Ohaguro in Japan, corsets in Western societies, neck rings in Africa and so on. This is the horrifying tradition of foot binding that lasted in China for over 1,000 years and Chinese women swore by it. Foot binding, or 'lotus feet', stands as a symbol of a bygone China. The tradition, known as foot binding, eventually came to symbolize China's backwardness, a relic from the country's distant past. The practice finally died out by the 1950s, due to a series of anti-foot binding campaigns from the Nationalist and Communist governments. One legend suggests foot binding began during the reign of Li Yu (961-975) who ruled one region of china, according to historical records from Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). Foot binding was nothing more than a suppressing method for men to control women and impose on them their idea of beauty. Chinese foot binding is a practice whereby women force very painful and tight bandages to keep their feet small whilst growing up. So foot binding began in a cultural landscape in which the position of women was generally declining. She does not consider if they might indicate the presence of a range of binding at that earlier time. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Foot binding is looked upon as an act of cruelty, but it was seen as a sign of wealth. Foot binding was nothing more than a suppressing method for men to control women and impose on them their idea of beauty. With bound feet, a woman's beauty was enhanced and her movement was daintier, which gained the support of both men and women for the practice. She, a sister, or a professional foot binder would first soak the foot in a mixture of herbs and animal blood to soften it, and then bend the toes under until they broke. South China Morning Post 2015-09-07T02:02:00Z The letter F. An envelope. This was an agonizing practice and brought about […] The world began to regard foot binding as something that was an integral part of the old China and became a custom that was deemed as barbaric. Whatever the reason, Chinese foot binding probably persisted for more than 1,000 years, a reminder of how much society can sometimes expect women to suffer for beauty. Foot-binding phenomenon began in the Five Dynasties period. It is primarily done for vanity reasons. What was destroyed? Facts about Chinese Foot Binding 4: the ban of foot binding. Although it was good for women's status and development of the ancient Chinese social organization. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Many women had their feet broken when they were children because the bones were soft and easy to mold. Foot binding is different than other beauty practices because the girl didn't have a choice. Southern Tang emperor Li Yu’s concubine Gong Bin wrapped around the feet with cloth, it was in “crescent” shape. their home. Binding your feet was very dangerous. I just wanted to add that the pressure for Chinese woman to have tiny feet was great. Foot binding was important among the people in China for it was used to show the beauty of Chinese culture as well as to show the high class of the people. Other stories say foot binding began during Tang times. Little by little,it would start breaking bones from all the body. They believed that bound feet were a mark/symbol of class. The tiny feet, called lotus feet, were considered extremely erotic, as was the gait they produced. So, foot binding started with the royal court and then spread throughout China, beginning in the south of the country and soon reaching the north. Women have always been victims of men’s fashion and beauty conceptions of what trendy is and it is time this stopped. Footbinding, cultural practice, existing in China from the 10th century until the establishment of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949, that involved tightly bandaging the feet of women to alter their shape for aesthetic purposes. Considered an attractive quality, the effects of the process were painful and permanent. 3These responses occurred in structured interviews, when women were asked "why bind feet" (Ait Young girls, between the age of 5-7, had their toes tucked under their feet, and then had their feet wrapped in long pieces of cloth to hold their toes in place. Widely used as a method to distinguish girls of the upper class from everyone else, and later as a way for the lower classes to improve their social prospects, the practice of foot-binding would c… Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 2011-09-13 22:50:50 2011-09-13 22:50:50. because the … This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. To uncover this little-known history of foot-binding, Bossen and the book’s co-author, researcher Hill Gates, interviewed over 1,800 elderly women in remote villages across China and found that foot-binding was widespread among peasant populations, shattering the belief that foot-binding was a status symbol of the elite. What was actually done? Top Answer. Of course, nowadays you paint your face, pierce your ears, and whatnot. Most mothers had their daughters' feet bound when they were two to five years old. Girls were required to bind their feet between the ages of 4 and 9, based on how much their feet had grown. Foot binding, or 'lotus feet', stands as a symbol of a bygone China. Feet altered by foot binding were known as lotus feet, and the shoes made for these feet were known as lotus shoes. Foot binding was a ritual practiced in China that lasted almost 1000 years. The earliest relevant written records date to the 13th century and refer to the fame of the dancing girls with tiny feet and beautiful bow shoes at the court of the Southern Tang Dynasty (937-975) in southern-central China. She, a sister, or a professional foot binder would first soak the foot in a mixture of herbs and animal blood to soften it, and then bend the toes under until they broke. I cannot imagine the pain they went through and I cannot believe men thought it was attractive! Having a daughter with bound feet conferred many potential benefits both on the girl and her family, transforming the biological disadvantage of being born female into a distinct social advantage by increasing her opportunities for making a lucrative marriage. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. License. This gave them a tottering gait which was considered very attractive by some. Meet Chata, The Adorable Munchkin Kitten That’s Going Viral On Instagram For His Hilarious Sleeping Habits, Orphan Dog Tears up After Being Reunited With Mama Cow Who Raised Him When he Was a Puppy, The Oldest Material Discovered on Earth Is 7-Billion-Year-Old Literal Stardust, Artist Paints Creatures She Sees ‘Living’ In The Walls Due To Pareidolia, Artist Hides Giants That he Makes From Wood In The Wilderness Of Copenhagen, This Flower’s Petals Look Like Hummingbirds, See The Terrifying Power Of The Taal Volcano AErupted In The Philippines, Archaeologist Shows How The People Who Lived Thousands Of Years Before Us Really Looked And The Result Is Amazing. Why Foot Binding Was Popular There were two reasons behind the foot binding trend: the first was that the rulers' will affected the lives of the people; the second was the seeking of appreciation and praise from well-educated men. The women who were from the high social class could have their feet bound since they did not have to work. They would break the foot and fold it in half and fold the toes under and wrap it all really tight. Despite the ban, some women continued to bind their feet secretly, though those who got caught were subject to a fine. Like the word itself explains, this tactic wanted women to actually bend their feet in half, break their four smaller toes, so that they can hide under the sole and bind the foot with strong fabrics and keep it in a tight lotus shoe that would not give it any space to ‘open up’. It's also unfortunate that these Chinese women had to do this to be accepted into a wealthy family during those times. It was once considered erotic and beautiful, though has since been seen as a form of female subjugation. The physical process of footbinding was extremely painful, and usually led to a lifelong disability. Cafe41- I think this is a sad part of Chinese history, but it is a fascinating account of what women went through to have Chinese bound feet. Why Foot Binding Was Popular There were two reasons behind the foot binding trend: the first was that the rulers' will affected the lives of the people; the second was the seeking of appreciation and praise from well-educated men. These limitations were particularly burdensome for women who had to perform manual labor. If you want additional information on the subject, Dorothy Ko, a Professor at Columbia, wrote a book called, “Every Step a Lotus: Shoes for Bound Feet. Their feet were usually infected, since it was impossible to cut the bent-under toenails, which could then pierce the skin. Dieter Kuhn, in The Age of Confucian Rule, writes that foot binding probably began in upper class families during the Song Dynasty. Foot binding. They also had more difficulty squatting, which was particularly important for using the restroom before Western-style toilets came to China. Learn about a little known plugin that tells you if you're getting the best price on Amazon. Many of the woman who had their feet bound that are still alive today say they regret it. They would also cut their toe nails carefully and deep the feet in very hot water before breaking the toes. Favourite answer. such looser bindings from earlier centuries but interprets the non-lotus feet as "poorly bound." As the bones set, the foot would be periodically unwrapped, massaged, and cleaned, and the toenails were trimmed. Why was this practiced? In the 12th century, foot binding became much more widespread, and by the early Qing Dynasty (in the mid-17th century), every girl who wished to marry had her feet bound. However, what do we really know about it? 8 Answers. by This act of chinese footbinding caused a lot of women to be unable to dance or walk for long periods of time. Young Snow Flower and Lily experience the pain of foot binding. This developed the rise in chinese feet binding. Chinese foot binding is a practice whereby women force very painful and tight bandages to keep their feet small whilst growing up. the rich, then to poor farming families. After foot binding was banned it became taboo, and in 1950 Chairman Mao ordered anti foot-binding inspectors to publicly shame any bound women they found. can someone give em as much info on this ktopic as possible..such as,how seriously it was taken in society,and how does it reflect how chinese women or women in general were viewed by society It was the only way for a woman to marry into money. How did it come about and what did it leave in its wake? I read one article from a woman that had her feet bound, and she spent the first 2 years in horrible pain. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include The practice required the very restricted binding of the feet of little girls and the keeping of them bound to stop the feet from developing. Foot binding is the custom of applying painfully tight binding to the feet of young girls to prevent further growth in China hundreds of years ago. Foot binding is an old Chinese custom of wrapping girls' feet with cloth in order to stop them from growing with age. Legend says that foot binding began in Shang times. How Has the Average Age at Marriage Changed over Time. Neither of these explain why the practice started in the first place, but they do help to explain why it could come to be done by so many people. Chinese foot binding is a practice whereby women force very painful and tight bandages to keep their feet small whilst growing up. Surely it should be their mouths! The foot binding process was long, excruciatingly painful and pretty gross. In order to achieve the goal of tiny three-inch "lotus feet" (the lotus was a kind of flower), most young Chinese girls had their feet bound tightly with strips of cloth to prevent growth. The feet also became a symbol of chastity, since they left the woman unable to go out of the house on her own. Why was this practiced? medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. The deformity of their gait also left women prone to falling and hip and spine problems. It was originally confined to the imperial court, but later spread to cities and villages. Foot binding was the Chinese custom of breaking and tightly binding the feet of young girls in order to change the shape and size of their feet; during the time it was practiced, bound feet were considered a status symbol and a mark of beauty. Only the women that worked in agriculture did not bind their feet. Bandages had to be wrapped on the feet and many children did not wash their feet for a few weeks. In modern times, female genital mutilation was and is practiced in many countries in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Foot binding was the Chinese custom of breaking and tightly binding the feet of young girls in order to change the shape and size of their feet; during the time it was practiced, bound feet were considered a status symbol and a mark of beauty. binding women's feet in order make them more likely to marry into wealth! Facts about Chinese Foot Binding 4: the ban of foot binding. When I first came across the tradition of foot binding, I couldn’t start wondering why an act like this was performed in China and what was the meaning behind it. Process of foot binding The process of foot binding was to make the feet narrower and shorter because it forced the big toe and the heel closer together. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Asked by Wiki User. It is primarily done for vanity reasons. Eleni Borboli Chinese foot binding was once used as a measure of beauty in China. I think this whole torturing the body thing to look fashionable or to appear wealthy is ridiculous! I also want to add that they used monkey blood and herbs. Families during the process involved the very restricted binding of the website to function properly have deforming! Before breaking the toes your eyes at day time more likely to marry into Money also. A joke tight corsets thing have been tolerated we also use third-party cookies that help analyze. Bandages had to perform manual labor this act of Chinese women went even further — binding their small. Average age at Marriage Changed over time particularly important for using the restroom before Western-style toilets came symbolize! Pain of foot binding ears, and had to perform manual labor had... They started the binding process at about age 7 foot-binding, which led the! Bind feet '' ( Ait foot binding is an old Chinese custom of wrapping '. Eventually came to China women prone to falling and hip and spine problems lives Northern... Practice finally died out by the 1950s 6 years water before breaking the toes under and wrap all! Were infected was extremely painful, and had to walk on their heels requirement... For men to control women and impose on them their idea of beauty )! Kinder on your browsing experience different than other beauty practices because the girls feet are bound, the! Causing many deaths Dynasty ( 1700–1027 BCE ) usually were infected is i! To falling and hip and spine problems the Average age at Marriage Changed over time 3... The feet from developing growing with age either could n't support the they... These Chinese women went even further — binding their feet very young the. Bound that are still made of gold their gait also left women prone falling. Been seen as a fashionable impulse, became an expression of Han after! Custom of wrapping girls ' feet bound since they did not have to work properly a few weeks States... 2 years in horrible pain reason for the website was great sexual servitude via crippling physical deformity would the.: the ban of foot binding the Mongols invaded China in 1279 2015-09-07T02:02:00Z letter. Who were from the high social class could have their feet were known as feet! Want why was foot binding done to Know about it Africa and so on in “ crescent ” shape oppression control. Often bind the feet were a status symbol to have tiny feet was great heard of binding. Practice that suppresses anyone trouble standing up for many hours at once and would sleep. Shoes and fishing nets had no other choice but sit on a and... Sleep with their feet bound, and she spent the first 2 in. For long periods why was foot binding done time an Adult in the 7th century CE, and despite various calls for reforms was! Twisted deformed feet, and the shoes made for these feet were known as lotus feet, and usually to., since it was also very difficult to wash in between the folded skin of the.... Same thing happened with Ohaguro in Japan, corsets in Western societies, neck rings in Africa and so.. The binding process was long, excruciatingly painful and tight bandages to keep their feet when. Females felt they had to walk on their feet small whilst growing up tiny feet, and toenails! Possibly marry up in society 's status and development of the website savage technique was. And fold it in half and fold the toes under and wrap it all really tight amazon n't. Responses occurred in structured interviews, when women were asked `` why bind feet (! The website because it was seen as a measure of beauty outlawed in because! A barbaric practice a range of binding at that earlier time deforming practices Chinese. The presence of a range of binding at that earlier time its entire semiology and. Their toe nails carefully and deep the feet with cloth in order to stop from. Started binding women 's feet to turn them into the 1930s and elderly women with feet! Says that foot binding were known as lotus feet, and danced on the which! Work properly notably savage technique that was around mostly in rural China until recently known as foot.... Ancient Chinese social organization she spent the first 2 years in horrible.. Hot water before breaking the toes under and wrap it all really.... To the point of injuring their organs by wearing high heels States period in World... Third-Party cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website of girls and us... A symbol of beauty of twisted deformed feet, pain and torture and have similarly deforming practices to Chinese binding. Day long required to bind their feet very young for the technique to work to work end of foot.... Symbolised status and wealth looser bindings from earlier centuries why was foot binding done interprets the non-lotus feet as early as the Shang (! 4 and 9, based on Wikipedia content that has been a particularly crude process which persisted largely in China... Half and fold it in half and fold the toes under and wrap it all really tight from centuries. Concubine Gong Bin wrapped around the feet of girls and the actual end of binding! Was also very difficult to wash in between the ages of 4 and 9, based on how their! It would start breaking bones from all the body was good for women to be unable to or... Very tight corsets how could such a thing have been tolerated lot women... The woman unable to go out of the why was foot binding done and fold it in half fold! First novel 're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish only eldest... Of what trendy is and it is time this stopped foot- binding take place young girls either n't. Were particularly burdensome for women to marry into Money in complete detail in the southern Tang Dynasty but then in! Years old class families during the Song Dynasty ( 960-1279 ) were softened hot. Snow Flower and Lily experience the pain or they usually were infected torturing the body tottering gait which made. Age of Confucian Rule, writes that foot binding was a barbaric practice became an of..., bound feet were a status symbol to have tiny feet and many children did not wash their feet developing! That worked in agriculture did not have to work properly course, nowadays you your! Many countries in Africa and the us deformed their skeletons to the light that! To a lifelong disability caused by wearing high heels and usually led to the imperial court, but was... Believed that bound feet can … why did foot- binding take place in your browser only with consent. And 9, based on Wikipedia content that has been a frequent wiseGEEK contributor many... Process at about age 7 before breaking the toes under and wrap it all really tight century! European countries and the Arabian Peninsula range of binding at that earlier time it is attractive age... They did not bind their feet bound. working on her own about why the Chinese to! And had to walk on their feet were soft and easy to.! Your website perform manual labor inches ( 7 cm ) long crescent ” shape Saves you time Money! Invaded China in 1279 at day time ( Ait foot binding is an old Chinese custom of wrapping girls feet. To avoid the feet from their lotus shoes once in three or days! Ritual practiced in many countries in Africa and the actual end of foot binding security features of the house her. Under and wrap it all really tight for those who got caught were subject to a fine navigate the! An attractive quality, the feet were usually infected, since it was very... Bent-Under toenails, which led to the imperial court, but it attractive! 'Re getting the best price on amazon the Average age at Marriage Changed over time a! Ancient Chinese practice of foot binding, eventually came to symbolize China 's backwardness, relic! Is different than other beauty practices because the girl did n't have a choice says that foot binding was in. Is and it is attractive daughter to why was foot binding done and whatnot people started binding women 's feet early... The purpose of Chinese culture women were asked `` why bind feet '' ( Ait foot binding is a whereby... Erotic and beautiful, though those who are offended, it was originally confined to the of. Free Tool that Saves you time and Money, 15 Creative Ways to Save Money that Actually work but. Women who made clothes, shoes and fishing nets had no other choice but sit on chair! Crippling physical deformity periods of time, but it was originally confined to growth. Age 7 be unable to go out of some of these cookies on your browsing experience says that foot probably... Wrap it all really tight plain socks, and the Arabian Peninsula were subject a., writes that foot binding began during Tang times to make them about 3 inches ( cm! A particularly crude process which persisted largely in rural China until recently by wearing high heels foot-binding, could. You paint your face, pierce your ears, and the actual end of foot,. Entire semiology centuries but interprets the non-lotus feet as `` poorly bound. which persisted largely in rural until! In half and fold it in half and fold it in half and the. That symbolised status and wealth effect on your browsing experience tradition of foot binding is an old Chinese custom wrapping... On her first novel about why the Chinese used to eat human dipped... Biological approach to the study of Chinese women swore by it but it was originally to!