Definition of Footbinding

Overview:

Footbinding, also known as lotus feet, is a traditional Chinese practice in which the feet of young girls were tightly bound with cloth to prevent natural growth and maintain small foot size. This practice, prevalent in China for over a thousand years, was considered a symbol of beauty, elegance, and social status.

Process:

The footbinding process involved several steps:

  1. Softening: Before binding, the feet were soaked in hot water or herbal mixtures to soften the flesh and make them more pliable.
  2. Bending the Toes: The toes were then bent backward and pressed tightly against the sole of the foot, often breaking the bones and permanently bending them.
  3. Binding: Long strips of cloth were wound tightly around the foot and toes, gradually pulling them downward and inward. The bindings were secured tightly to ensure the foot retained its shape.
  4. Tightening: The bindings were regularly tightened, causing immense pain and preventing any growth of the foot.
  5. Healing and Maintenance: Over time, the girl’s feet would heal, but in a deformed state. The bindings were removed and re-applied regularly to maintain the desired shape.

Reasons and Impact:

The primary reasons for footbinding included:

  • Social Status: Small feet were a mark of privilege and high social standing.
  • Marrying Well: Women with bound feet were seen as more desirable and had better prospects for marriage.
  • Male Conformity: Footbinding was often associated with Confucian ideals of female submission and male dominance.

Despite its popularity, footbinding had severe consequences:

  • Physical Pain: Footbinding caused lifelong pain, disabilities, and frequent infections.
  • Mobility Restrictions: Women with bound feet had difficulty walking, leading to a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Dependency: Bound feet made women reliant on others for basic tasks and mobility.
  • Social Consequences: Footbinding reinforced gender inequalities and restricted women’s roles in society.

Abolition of Footbinding:

Footbinding gained criticism in the late 19th century, and efforts to abolish the practice started in the early 20th century. With modernization and changing societal attitudes, footbinding gradually declined and was officially banned in China in 1912.