The Hidden Horror Of Chinese Foot Binding

The Origins of Chinese Foot Binding: A Mystery Shrouded in Myth and Folklore

How did a tradition that started as a symbol of beauty end up as a symbol of oppression? Much research has been done though the exact origin of this tradition has not been found yet. In ancient times the symbol was considered as the status of Elites as a way of distinguishing themselves from the common people. Women in that era covered their feet to look more attractive and desirable. However, it was said that it was just passed through generations without any specific reason. These different theories exist among historians and anthropologists.

However, the origin of Chinese foot binding is still a matter of question. What is your opinion regarding these theories and the age-old Chinese foot-binding tradition? This age-old tradition remains in China till 1949. Girls in the age between four to six years old or even three years old bandage their feet. Mothers, grandmothers and other older female relatives first bandage girls’ feet. Their goal is to make their feats 3 inches long which is called the Golden Lotus foot. Few individuals expressed that in that time some individuals were able to achieve that goal.

In this process the four smaller toes were tucked underneath and pulled towards the heel after this it was bandaged. From time to time the feet were unbound and the dead skin, dry blood or puss after the cleaning process was further bandaged. Due to this process, it was reported that paralysis gangrene ulcers or death cases were reported though death cases were rare. Girls throughout their lives bind their feet and wear decorative shoes and leggings over the bandages which further differ with the daytime or occasion.

The Societal Implications and Impact on Women’s Lives of Foot Binding

The end of foot binding was a victory for women’s rights and human dignity. The Chinese foot-binding tradition impacts women’s lives brutally. This practice was observed as a symbol of beauty status or feminity however it severely impacted the health or well-being of women. This process of food binding was extremely painful as women’s toes were bent towards the heels which was extremely painful and often resulted in permanent physical disability. Through historical data, it was found that women who bound their feet were unable to walk properly and many suffered from chronic pain or infections.

However, it was considered as the practice of limiting women’s independence or mobility as it bound them to their homes and restricted their opportunity to get education and employment. Moreover, this Chinese foot-binding tradition forces women to play as only wives and mothers and restrict themselves to part in public life. However, it was outlawed in the early 20^th century though it created a significant impact on Chinese society and women’s lives as well. This practice left a long-lasting impact on Chinese society and the health and well-being of women. Finally, it attracts the attention of people regarding the elimination of harmful cultural traditions from society to eradicate inequality or discrimination.

Factors Leading to the End of Foot Binding

The tradition of foot binding from Chinese culture has been outlawed in the early 20^th century. Do you want to know which factors influenced to decline of this horrific tradition in China? Western influence created a major impact on Chinese culture during the late Qing dynasty. After the Western involvement of new ideas regarding women’s roles and rights, they often criticize the barbaric practices or challenging traditions of China. This created a major impact on food food-binding tradition of China. Therefore, there was a tremendous change observed during the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China.

Moreover, the rise of nationalism and the desire for modernization brought a revolution to traditional practices including food binding. However, the women’s rights movement played also a significant role in the Chinese foot-binding tradition. Women activists for the well-being of women argued against this practice as it was harmful to the health of women.

Additionally, along with this the changing landscape of China a significant role in to decline of this barbaric foot-binding tradition. After the Republic of China, the country became modernized and industrialized and women were showing interest in participating in the workforce. However, foot binding became a hindrance for them to participate in the workforce and created difficulties for them to achieve economic opportunities. Additionally, these government policies are also a major cause of the decline of this tradition which helps women to save themselves from this cruel tradition.

In the year of 1912 the newly established Republic of China ban this practice this helps to gradually become less common this foot binding tradition in China. So now you can clearly see that these factors were the major causes which were helpful to decline of this harmful Chinese foot-binding tradition from China gradually. Though it is true that a tradition can’t disappear from culture overnight it requires time. However, these significant steps were helpful in securing women’s rights and equality in China.

Bound in Pain: The Physical Effects of Foot Binding

For this foot-binding tradition, countless women suffer from immense pain and suffering. This practice forced women to break and bind their feet at an early age which forced them to be in an unnatural shape which resembles Lotus Flower. This makes them disabled their whole life they are unable to work properly and for this, they experience incredible pain. The initial process of binding as the footwear is forcibly broken and bandaged tightly to get the desired shape. However, with the passing of time the bandages were tightened infection and even amputations were faced by women which made them a burden to their families.

With this Chinese food binding tradition pain and suffering associated with it which was compounded by social and cultural sigma. Women with bound feet are often considered desirable and manageable though they face discrimination and social execution. Moreover, binding was a cruel and inhumane practice in China for which millions of women suffered and it promoted inequality and discrimination towards women.

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