The History of Chinese Foot Binding

Summary

This script delves into the harrowing history of Chinese foot binding, a practice where young girls' feet were broken and tightly wrapped to achieve a smaller size, seen as a status symbol and beauty standard. Originating among the upper class, it spread to lower classes and varied by region. Despite the pain and lifelong disabilities it caused, foot binding persisted due to its association with nobility, female beauty, and sexual prowess. The script also touches on the health risks and eventual decline of the practice, which was officially banned in 1912 and practically ended with the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

Takeaways

• 👣 Foot binding was a practice in China from the 10th to 19th centuries where young girls' feet were broken and tightly wrapped to alter their shape and size.
• 🧒 The process began typically between the ages of four and six, taking advantage of the malleability of pre-bone cartilage in young children.
• ❄️ Foot binding was often initiated in winter to reduce sensitivity and numbness in the feet, starting with soaking them in warm water or herbal concoctions.
• 🩰 The binding aimed to create 'lotus feet,' a hoof-like shape achieved by breaking toes and tucking them under the foot, angled downward.
• 🔁 The binding was reapplied every two days, with the wrapping becoming increasingly tight to further constrict and shape the feet.
• 🍉 Variations of foot binding existed, such as 'cucumber foot' in Sichuan, which produced a long, slender foot, and different practices in other regions.
• 👠 Despite the pain and lifelong disabilities, foot binding was pursued for its status symbol, association with nobility, and perceived enhancement of female beauty and sexual prowess.
• 📚 The origins of foot binding are unclear, with legends pointing to a consort of a Southern Qi emperor, while historical records date the practice to around the 10th century.
• 👠 Lotus shoes, made of silk or cotton, were designed to mimic the shape of a lotus bud, with an ideal length of three inches, though some were larger.
• 🩺 The practice was not without severe health consequences, including infections, bone fractures, and even death, with some estimates suggesting a 10% mortality rate among those who underwent it.
• ⛔ Efforts to ban foot binding were made as early as the 13th century, and it was officially outlawed in 1912, though it only truly ended with the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

Q & A

What was the primary reason for foot binding in ancient China?

Foot binding was primarily done for fashion and was considered a status symbol, indicating nobility and beauty. It was also linked to perceptions of sexual prowess and was used as a means of discipline for young girls.

At what age did foot binding typically begin, and why was that age chosen?

Foot binding usually began on girls between the ages of four and six because at that age, the bones are still composed of pre-bone cartilage and are easier to break and mold.

What was the process of foot binding like, and how often were the feet unbound?

The process involved breaking and tightly wrapping the feet to alter their shape and size. The feet were unbound every two days for meticulous cleaning and manicuring, and the wrapping was pulled increasingly tighter with each rewrap.

How did the practice of foot binding vary across different regions in China?

The practice varied widely depending on the era and geographical location. For example, the people of Sichuan practiced a modified form known as cucumber foot, while in some regions like Kucha, women did not bind their feet at all.

What was the significance of the 'lotus feet' and how did it relate to the practice of foot binding?

The 'lotus feet' was a shape that became synonymous with foot binding, where the feet were bound to resemble a lotus bud. It was considered the pinnacle of female beauty and desirability in ancient China.

What were the health implications and long-term effects of foot binding on women?

Foot binding led to severe limitations in mobility, often resulted in permanent disabilities, and could cause lifelong pain. It also increased the risk for hip or spine fractures due to lower bone density in those areas.

How was the practice of foot binding perceived in terms of sexual connotations?

Bound feet were associated with a woman's sexual prowess due to the manner of walking it necessitated, which tightened the pelvic muscles and inner thighs, believed to prepare women for ideal lovemaking.

What were some of the extreme measures taken to achieve the desired lotus shape in foot binding?

Extreme measures included lacerating the flesh of the foot, inserting sharp objects into the bandages to encourage extra flesh to rot away, and in some cases, permanently removing toenails to prevent ingrown nails.

When was foot binding officially outlawed in China, and what was the role of the People's Republic of China in ending the practice?

Foot binding was officially outlawed in 1912 following the nationalist revolution in 1911. However, it wasn't until the creation of the People's Republic of China in 1949 that the practice truly ended on a grand scale.

What is the connection between the story of Ye Xian and the modern fairy tale of Cinderella?

The story of Ye Xian, written during the Tang dynasty, is believed to be an influence on the modern fairy tale of Cinderella, particularly the element of a girl with small feet losing her shoe, which leads to her identification and marriage to a king.

How did the practice of foot binding affect the daily lives and labor of women?

Foot binding severely limited mobility, which affected women's ability to perform tasks that required movement. However, since much of women's labor at the time consisted of handwork such as weaving, which required sitting, the practice was still maintained.