4. Foot Binding as a Religious Rite
In certain Chinese communities, foot binding transcended social customs and took on a religious significance—seen as a way to purify women and honor tradition. Despite its deep cultural roots, the practice caused severe pain and lifelong disability. By the early 20th century, growing awareness of its harms led to official bans across China. Today, foot binding is both illegal and widely condemned for its violation of human rights. Read more
