Chinese Culture: Foot Binding by Jason Le

Alyssa Hicks

52619 — 2015-12-07 21:38:45 UTC

What was the purpose of foot binding?

52619 — 2015-12-07 21:44:21 UTC

There are many theories regarding the purpose of foot binding. One theory is that women who had their feet bound were less independent and more able to be controlled. In Chinese society it is said that women are ruled by their fathers, then their husbands and finally, by their sons. A second theory is that the purpose of foot binding was primarily cosmetic. Women with small feet were considered delicate and aristocratic, and in needing of male protection because they could not do many things a servant could do easily.

How and why did the practice of foot binding begin

56406 — 2015-12-08 20:58:27 UTC

Foot binding is said to have started as an indicator of Chinese class, but as time went on, the tradition became more commonplace. The practice of 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. It was originally confined to the imperial court, but later spread to cities and villages.

Sources

52619 — 2015-12-08 21:43:34 UTC

"The Chinese Tradition of Foot Binding." The Chinese Tradition of Foot Binding. N.p., 2006. Web. 07 Dec. 2015.

McManus, Melanie Radzicki. "How Foot Binding Worked." HowStuffWorks. N.p., 27 Mar. 2013. Web. 08 Dec. 2015.

Christensen, Tricia Ellis. "Why Did Chinese Women Bind Their Feet?"WiseGEEK. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec. 2015.

Why do you think the tradition of foot binding was outlawed in 1911?

56406 — 2015-12-09 00:09:00 UTC

I think that the tradition of foot binding was outlawed in 1911 because a minority of people detested this practice and saw it as torture rather than a sign of beauty. Women started anti-foot binding campaigns and soon after, the custom of foot binding slowly faded away and finally banned in 1911. Today, women in China who bind their child's feet can be subject to criminal charges for child abuse.

The Process of Foot Binding

56406 — 2015-12-09 01:15:04 UTC

1. First, the feet were softened in a tub of hot water.

2. After the feet were well rested for a couple of hours, any dead skin was scrubbed off, toenails were clipped as short as possible and alum was sprinkled in between the toes to stop perspiration.

3. Next, came the actual binding. The bandages were soaked in hot water so they'd shrink when they dried.

4. Then, the binder would fold the girl's four small toes under her feet and begin wrapping her foot with the bandage in a figure-eight pattern. The goal was to keep the big toe and the ball of the foot intact, but keep the other four toes under the foot and bring the heel forwards.

5. The bones in the arch would break in the process.

6. To prevent ripping of the bandage, the bandage was sewn together at several points.

7. Once the binding was finished, a pair of tiny shoes were placed on the girl's feet and she was forced to walk around.