Traditions played a major social role in the medieval era. The prevalence of various traditions in different parts of the world influenced the social life there. One such tradition rooted in China was the Binding of feet among girls.
Origin of the Tradition:
Origins of the foot-binding tradition are cited roughly around the late Tang dynasty (AD 618-907) and early Song dynasty (AD960-1127). It was practiced for thousands of years and banned in the early 20th century with the Western influence.
The foot binding tradition included bending the four toes (leaving the large toe) beneath the plantar surface of the foot and wrapping metatarsals towards the calcaneus using the bandage.
It was practiced among girls aged 5-7 years (3- 12 years) for making the foot small in size called Lotus Feet/Golden Lotus. Largely practiced among higher classes, the tradition must have originated from the shape of the feet of the dancers, which influenced the royal court. Later it was also practiced among poor classes as a mark of social influence. Most of the girls from the Han Dynasty, Hui Dynasty, etc. also practiced this tradition.
The bandages were removed, the feet were cleaned, pus, dead skin, etc. were removed and the feet were again bound with a bandage. Some studies suggest the feet were unbound after the marriage and women could work again.
The exact origin though unknown, the Binding of the Foot was also associated with the erotic fascination of the small foot among dancers, it was also considered as preparation of girls for puberty. Some theories also suggest that the empress of a well-known dynasty suffered from club feet. Suffering from club feet, she forced other women in the court to practice a tradition of small feet, by binding them with bandages. This tradition then became a mark of beauty and distinction.
Some studies suggest that the binding of feet leads to the different gait of women, which increases the tonicity of pelvic and genital muscles.
The full-bound foot practice included binding foot throughout the life whereas half-bound foot practice included releasing the binding as the tradition was banned. This process led to deformity of the foot and high arches of the foot.
Scientific point of view:
Foot binding has been associated with lower foot bone density, high arches of the foot, dislocated phalanges, vertical orientation of calcaneus, infection in toes, ulcers, gangrene, septic shock, and eventually death(death was a rare case).
These conditions lead to loss of supporting function of the foot, disbalance, leading to difficulties in mobility, reduced physical activities, and increased chances of osteoporosis. Gait experiments suggested an increase in cadence, decreased stride strength, and decreased motion of the ankle and knees. Other studies also suggested pressure at the heel region and remodeling of the calcaneus.
This binding led to the forward bending of lumbar vertebrae, which shifted the weight to the lower part of the pelvis, leading to pelvic damage.
Binding of the foot led to tremendous pain among girls to get the desired shape of feet. After binding the foot, girls were asked to walk forcibly to enhance blood circulation.
This tradition was concluded in the 19th century by intellectuals in China who knew Western society. Their thoughts influenced the social and psychological behavior of society. It further led to Chinese women taking more interest in Western footwear and thus banning the painful tradition of binding feet.
Binding of feet started as a social tradition and prevailed for many years, where girls had to bear the pain with bandages, hampering their capacity to do physical activities and suffering from medical conditions like infections, ulcers, and gangrene. This tradition was banned by the 20th century marking the well-being of women.
Reference:
Zhao, Yongsheng, Lin Guo, Yuni Xiao, Yueming Niu, Xiaowen Zhang, Deliang He, and Wen Zeng. “Osteological characteristics of Chinese foot-binding in archaeological remains.” International Journal of Paleopathology 28 (March 1, 2020): 48–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2019.12.003.
Mei, Qichang, Yaodong Gu, Julie Kim, Liangliang Xiang, Vickie Shim, and Justin Fernandez. “Understanding the form and function in Chinese bound foot from last-generation cases.” Frontiers in Physiology 14 (September 19, 2023). https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1217276.
“The history behind foot binding in China,” n.d. https://www.mymed.com/health-wellness/body-modifications/foot-binding/the-history-behind-foot-binding-in-china.
Rajeev. “Foot-binding in China by Rajesh Ravindranath – DSIR Blog,” January 7, 2021. https://www.dsir.in/blog/2021/01/07/foot-binding-in-china-by-rajesh-ravindranath/.
Smith, Tiffany Marie. “Footbinding | History, Culture & Effects.” Encyclopedia Britannica, July 15, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/science/footbinding.