By Admin 
Foot Binding: Foot binding is one of the most painful and controversial traditions in Chinese history. For almost a thousand years, millions of women were forced to undergo this practice in the name of beauty, status and marriage prospects. Let us know what was involved in this practice and why China banned it.
After all, what was foot binding?
Foot binding was a traditional practice in which girls between the ages of 4 and 9 were tightly bound with strips of cloth to prevent the natural growth of their feet. This process was started when the bones were still soft. The toes were turned inwards towards the sole and were often deliberately broken. After this the leg was tied tightly so that it would not grow normally.
With time the arch of the foot was pushed upward. This would have created a seriously different shape. The aim was to make the leg as short as possible. Ideally three to four inches in length. These were romantically called lotus feet. Its pain did not last for weeks or months but for the whole life.
Why were short legs considered the norm?
In traditional Chinese society, small feet were considered a symbol of female beauty. A woman with lotus feet was considered beautiful, delicate and obedient. This practice was especially prevalent in upper class families where women were not expected to do physical labour. It was also directly related to marriage. Girls with bound feet were considered a good bride as this practice indicated discipline, family honor and high social status.
physical and psychological harm
The health consequences of foot binding were serious. Women had to face chronic pain, difficulty walking, frequent infections and, in severe cases, gangrene. Many women became disabled and started having trouble walking without any help. By the end of the 19th century, people’s attitude towards the practice of tying feet started changing. Chinese reformers, intellectuals and social workers began to criticize this practice.
Official ban and end of the practice
The first formal provision on foot binding was imposed in 1912. This happened after the fall of the Qing dynasty and after that the Republic of China was established. The new government completely outlawed this practice and encouraged women to uncover their legs. This practice was completely abolished after 1949 and this happened after the Communist government came to power.
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