10 Facts about Chinese Foot Binding

Saturday, December 12th 2015. | History


Facts about Chinese Foot Binding explain the Chinese tradition used to prevent the further growth of the feet on the young girls. The foot binding is also called as lotus feet. When the young girls had foot binding, they would experience a painful feeling during the process. If you want to know more the history of foot binding, you can check the below post:

Facts about Chinese Foot Binding 1: the origin of foot binding

During 10th or 11th century, the practice of foot binding was started by the upper-class court dancers. It was during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdom Period.

Facts about Chinese Foot Binding 2: the popularity

During Song Dynasty, foot binding was very popular. Then many social classes in China practiced foot binding.

Facts about Chinese Foot Binding

Facts about Chinese Foot Binding

Facts about Chinese Foot Binding 3: the importance of foot binding

Foot binding was important among the people in China for it was used to show the beauty of Chinese culture as well as to show the high class of the people. The women who were from the high social class could have their feet bound since they did not have to work.

Facts about Chinese Foot Binding 4: the ban of foot binding

The foot binding was about to be banned by Manchu Kangxi Emperor in 1664. However, he failed to do it.

Chinese Foot Binding

Chinese Foot Binding

Facts about Chinese Foot Binding 5: the end of foot binding

The foot binding practice ended in the beginning of 20th century due to the extensive anti foot binding campaigns. Actually there were many Chinese reformers who tried to ban foot binding in 19th century. However, there was no significant result about it.

Facts about Chinese Foot Binding 6: the negative impact of foot binding

Foot binding brought negative impact to the women.  It could lead into the lifelong disabilities.

Chinese Foot Binding Pic

Chinese Foot Binding Pic

Facts about Chinese Foot Binding 7: the foot binding in Song Dynasty

During the Song dynasty, foot binding was very popular. In end of 11 century, there were references and writings about foot binding. Get facts about Chinese culture here.

Facts about Chinese Foot Binding 8: the shape of the bound foot

The bound foot should be small and in arched shape. That’s based on the statement of Zhang Bangji in 12th century.

Chinese Foot Binding Image

Chinese Foot Binding Image

Facts about Chinese Foot Binding 9: foot binding in 13th century

During 13th century, there were many daughters and wives of the officials who practiced foot binding based on the archeological evidence. Check facts about Chinese civilization here.

Facts about Chinese Foot Binding 10: the women who had bound feet

There were around 40 to 50 percent of the women in China who had bound feet by the end of 19th century.

Chinese Foot Binding Facts

Chinese Foot Binding Facts

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