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For around ten centuries, successive generations of Chinese women endured a practice when, as children, their feet were systematically broken and shaped in such a way that they resembled hooves. The tradition, known as foot binding, eventually came to symbolize China's backwardness, a relic from the country's distant past.

But despite the efforts of reformists, foot binding persisted well into the 20th century. In the January 1923 issue of The Atlantic, Pearl Buck (whose book The Good Earth is one of the most influential ever written about China) described meeting a young woman who had recently decided to unbind her feet in accordance with the latest fashion:

Yesterday she came in a delicate blue satin of a more fashionable cut than I had ever seen; her feet were unbound and in little clumping, square, black-leather foreign shoes. She was evidently very proud of them; they looked like shoes for a very rough little American boy, and had steel taps on the heels. They stuck out most oddly from her exquisite brocaded skirt.

After we had exchanged polite remarks, and had taken our first sip of tea, she was so evidently conscious of her feet that I could not but comment on her unusual footgear.

"It is the very latest fashion," she replied with great satisfaction. "You know that, of course, in the big cities like Peking and Shanghai, the really fashionable girls do not bind their feet any more. At the boarding-school they don't either; and so, when I came home, I cried for three days, without food, until for peace they unbound my feet so that I might wear these beautiful American shoes. My feet are still too small, but I stuff cotton in the toes."

What exactly are bound feet, and why did they become such an enduring part of the Chinese world? To get a little more information, I talked to Wang Ping, a professor of English and Creative Writing at Macalaster College and the author of Aching for Beauty: Footbinding in China, a 2002 history of the practice. Below is an edited transcript of our conversation:

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The Peculiar History of Foot Binding in China

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Wikimedia Commons For around ten centuries, successive generations of Chinese women endured a practice when, as children, their feet were systematically broken and shaped in such a way that they resembled hooves. The tradition, known as foot binding, eventually came to symbolize China's backwardness, a relic from the country's distant past.

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The tiny “lotus foot” in its delicate silken shoe was seen as one of the most attractive qualities in a prospective bride; the smaller the foot, the more sexually pleasing the girl was.

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This gesture is known as the peace sign but when you visit Ireland make sure that you don't use it because for them it is bad sign.

by: Cruz, Nina

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The African Headdress formally known as a Gele, found in West Africa, was used to wrap the individuals head in a garment of interesting colors, textures, patterns, and designs. However, the symbolism behind the headdress is much more than just a head wrap. The Gele was a symbol of power and status in West Africa.

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Pasta is the most popular main course in the world, symbol of Italian culture and national pride. This is why for Italians it is important that pasta is properly prepared. It is more than a food, it is an element of union shared throughout Italy: it is an integral part of life, of popular culture of all Italians, not only of their cuisine, but of their very essence.

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The Chinese regard panda as symbol of friendship and peace. The panda was often compared to yin and yang because of its black and white spots. The colors stand in stark contrast to one another. The panda's calm demeanor was a demonstration of how, well balanced, the yin and yang were harmonious and peaceful. Pandas are really significant to Chinese history and culture.

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Philippines - Taking off shoes before entering a house. (Burog, Tricia A.)

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Philippines - Taking off shoes before entering a house. (Burog, Tricia A.)

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In many Asian countries, there is a tradition of removing shoes in the home, school, and sacred places like churches and temples. Some believe that the head is the most revered part of the body, where the spirit lives, and the feet are considered dirty because they are at the end of the body, most removed from the spirit.
But According to a 2008 study by the University of Arizona, there are approximately 421,000 types of bacteria found in shoes, which can cause infections in our stomachs, eyes, and lungs. This bacteria also live longer on shoes than in other places.
Bacteria can live in hotter and colder temperatures than humans, but they do best in a warm, moist, protein-rich environment that is pH neutral or has a low acidity level, which is similar to Asian temperatures.

Additionally, the Asian lifestyle is mainly centered around the floor. They sit on the floor, eat, sleep, and do other activities on the floor. The floor must be clean and warm and that tradition remains today. So that is why Asians take off their shoes. Just remember when visiting an Asian home to wear clean socks with no holes because you may be asked to remove your shoes!

https://medium.com/get-sneak/why-asians-take-off-shoes-when-entering-house-fc0a187490be

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What usually comes to our minds when we hear the word "braces" is the device that orthodontists use to straighten our teeth. Whereas in England, it can mean suspenders or tools up trousers or skirts.

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Lip piercing and stretching is also a rite of passage into adulthood and is done to commemorate the god who gave them speech. A plate in a stretched lip symbolizes possession in marriage. Though taboo in western culture; extreme piercing, stretching and even scarification are becoming increasingly popular among the younger generations. Unlike in Africa, these markings serve a solely aesthetic role and in many cases serve as a means to dis-identify from the majority group. In Africa, these practices are usually done for inclusion, not exclusion.

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Italy is known for a lot of dishes such as homemade pasta and pizzas. The most underrated one would be the Gelato. Gelato can be mistaken or seen as ice cream in other countries. Gelato is in fact similar to ice cream but it's lower in fat content and less air contained so the flavor is richer and consistency is smoother.

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Bavaria, Germany                              Bihasa, April Joi C. 

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Bavaria, Germany                              Bihasa, April Joi C. 

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Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the popular tourists destination in Germany. The place was paid and made for King Ludwig II for personal fortune until he died in the year 1886. He decided to give his time for fine arts decor.The Neuschwanstein means “New Swan Castle” which is referred to “the Swan Knight”. The castle is inspired by Walt Disney which is a fairytale magic look.

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In most western cultures, raising one's head up and down is understood as a gesture of approval, whereas moving it from side to side is a symbol of disapproval. However, this non-verbal expression is not universal. Bulgarians are one of the few peoples around the world who shake their heads for saying ‘yes’ and nod for ‘no’.

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"Kimono" this was originally the Japanese word for clothing. In more recent years, kimono is now used for special occasions such as, weddings, festivals, and funerals. the difference between a kimono and a yukata is the collar.

Women uses kimono and has a soft full-width collar, whereas a yukata is worn by men and has a half-width and stiffer collar.

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One of the most common items that can be associated with Vietnam is their conical leaf hat or locally known as Nón Lá. It is known for its delicate charm that adds up to its overall function of protecting locals from heat and rain caused by the fact that Vietnam is a tropical country. The ideal materials of making a Nón Lá are the leaves of palm trees (for the body) and bamboo (for the conical frame). Despite the advancements in technology, Nón Lá had remained hand-crafted by locals that got their skills, talent and mastery due to techniques that were inherited and passed across generations. The making of a Nón Lá requires precision and accuracy that this continues to be Vietnam's symbolism of character of charm, elegance, and romance.

SOURCE:
vietnam.com. (2013) Non La – A Symbol of Vietnamese’ Charm and Romance. Retrieved from https://www.vietnam.com/en/culture/clothing/non-la-a-symbol-of-vietnamese-charm-and-romance.html#

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Hijab has different meanings across cultures. It depends on the religion and country you live in. They different meaning, perspectives about wearing it, different interpretation.

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In the United States, the meaning of "peace sign" refers to "peace" and "victory". But in other countries like South Africa, UK, and Australia, the peace sign is considered to be extremely insulting to them.

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In the United States, the meaning of "peace sign" refers to "peace" and "victory". But in other countries like South Africa, UK, and Australia, the peace sign is considered to be extremely insulting to them.

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The boomerang represents Indigenous people’s 60,000-year links to this land, because they’ve been used for as long as Indigenous nations have thrived on the Australian continent.

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Chinese Dragon Symbol means power, good luck, and noble in the Chinese culture and also in Asian culture. The dragon symbol is in the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. They also used this symbol in the events, festival and New Year. In the Western culture and stories they viewed dragon symbol as evil, destroyer and a bad luck.

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Chopsticks originated in the province of Henan, China. Chopsticks in China before were used for cooking and not for eating but due to over population, to save resources people sliced meat in small portions that can be perfectly gripped by Chopsticks. Chopsticks then became part of the culture of china and some other Asian countries like Japan and Vietnam.

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Natural wood Chopsticks for daily use, 5 pairs of wood chopsticks, Japanese chopsticks, Chinese chopsticks, oriental chopsticks

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Buddhism is a key component to the identities of many Thais. Many will give daily offerings to things like spirit houses. Others will sporadically feed the many soi (street) dogs to make merit. By making and gaining merit, many Thais believe they will live longer and happier lives. Some people will also wear Buddhist amulets in order to protect themselves.

(Iverson, K. (2017, March 28). Everything You Need to Know About Buddhism in Thailand. Retrieved November 07, 2020, from https://theculturetrip.com/asia/thailand/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-buddhism-in-thailand/)

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Across the country, it's not uncommon to see women sporting a small dot on their foreheads between their eyebrows. The mark is known as a bindi. And it's a Hindu tradition that dates to the third and fourth centuries.

The bindi is traditionally worn by women for religious purposes or to indicate that they're married. But today the bindi has also become popular among women of all ages, as a beauty mark. And it comes in all colors, shapes and sizes.

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Wearing of Abayas (long-sleeve, black, floor-length, and its purpose is to hide the women's body curves.) is required here in Riyadh, even for tourists it is a must because it shows modesty as well as respect for their culture and tradition.