Foot binding, also known as footbinding, was a Chinese custom that involved breaking and tightly binding the feet of young girls to alter their shape and size. The resulting feet were referred to as “lotus feet,” and the specially made shoes for these altered feet were called “lotus shoes.”
Historical Context
This practice likely originated among court dancers during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period in 10th-century China and gained popularity among the elite during the Song dynasty. By the Qing dynasty (1644–1912), foot binding had spread to lower social classes. Bound feet were seen as a status symbol and a marker of feminine beauty, significantly influencing marriage prospects.
The Painful Reality
While lotus feet were considered beautiful, foot binding was a painful practice that severely limited women’s mobility and often resulted in lifelong disabilities. It is estimated that by the 19th century, 40–50% of Chinese women had bound feet, with nearly 100% among upper-class Han Chinese women.
Decline of the Practice
In the late 19th century, Christian missionaries and Chinese reformers began to challenge foot binding. However, it was not until the early 20th century that anti-foot binding campaigns led to a significant decline in the practice. Upper-class and urban women abandoned foot binding earlier than their poorer rural counterparts.
Legacy
By 2007, only a small number of elderly women with bound feet were still alive. The legacy of foot binding serves as a reminder of the historical pressures surrounding beauty standards and women’s roles in society.
Conclusion
The practice of foot binding reflects complex social dynamics in Chinese history, intertwining beauty, status, and pain. Understanding this historical custom provides valuable insights into the evolution of women’s rights and cultural practices in China.