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Lotus Feet: The Tradition of Foot Binding in China

Explore the historic practice of foot binding in China, a unique custom that symbolized female beauty and restriction. Learn about the disfiguring process, societal ideals, and impact on women's lives from the Sung Dynasty to the 20th century.

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Lotus Feet: The Tradition of Foot Binding in China

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  1. Foot Binding

  2. Foot binding for women is a custom that is unique to China.

  3. Bound feet are commonly referred to a ‘lotus feet’ because of their crescent shape.

  4. It is a disfiguring process that was only done to girls from the wealthy class.

  5. Tiny, bound feet were considered a sign of female beauty and reminded women that they were not free.

  6. The custom began in the Sung Dynasty (960-1280 CE) and was performed until the early 20th century.

  7. Mothers would begin binding their daughter’s feet at three years old.

  8. Toes from each foot were broken and then the sole of the foot was also broken. • The foot was bound with the ball of the foot and heel pressed together.

  9. Bound feet required a great deal of care and attention so that infection would not occur.

  10. It was common for the toenails to become ingrown and infected; this infection often led to the toes falling off. • The loss of toes was seen as a good thing because the feet were even shorter.

  11. The goal of foot binding was to have the feet reach a size under 10 cm.

  12. How is foot binding similar to…

  13. This also drives me nutters…

  14. Where does your idea of what is beautiful come from?

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