Foot Binding in China
Foot binding, also known as “lotus feet,” was a practice that occurred in China between the 10th and early 20th centuries. It involved the tight binding of young girls’ feet with cloth to restrict their growth. The process of foot binding typically began at a young age, often between 4 and 7 years old. It involved tightly wrapping the feet with bandages, gradually bending the toes inward and breaking the arch of the foot. The foot bones became deformed, leading to a characteristic “lotus foot” shape.
Walking was extremely difficult and painful, as the foot’s mobility was greatly limited. Women with bound feet often had to walk with a distinctive shuffling gait and relied heavily on support from others. In the early 20th century, foot binding gradually fell out of favor. The practice was increasingly criticized for its harm to women. It was officially banned in China in 1912.
