Chinese Footbinding

[Miranda_]

OK first of all, if you are squeamish in any way; do NOT click the picture links. I can't stress this enough. I am not squeamish at all, and even I felt my feet twitch looking at the photos. Also, some of the descriptions are a bit graphic, ie going into detail. So if this applies to you, then back out of the topic NOW.

Anyways, I did a project on footbinding in History once for A-level; I chose it cuz it tied in well with the subject of women's rights which we were studying at the time as well as being a good example of how women are put thru pain and torment just to please men. I recently looked at links online and was once again horrified by the photos and descriptions of the act; at one time in China, a girl with normal feet rather than bound "lotus hooks" would be shunned by all and find it impossible to get married. Mothers would bind their daughters' feet out of love due to this; this happened as early as seven years old and walking on such deformed feet would be difficult.

Here are some picture and article links; remember my warning before you click.

Footbinding - Google Image Search

Chinese Foot Binding

Foot binding - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

CHINESE FOOT BINDING

So, next time you moan at your parents for being unfair to you, remember... it could be worse. O_o

[delly1]

I studied that as well in Family Studies it was a very interesting topic that we discussed . I believe I was in grade ten at the point of time.

[TheHayleyDoll]

I've heard of it and all I can say is, OUCH.

[TechnoMayhem]

owieeee~!!
That is...ouch!

[Singergirl0911]

*shudders* So glad I don't live in China during that period. Dear God that had to hurt. *shudders again* OUCH!

[jenniferswe]

I don't know why they thought this was a good idea in the first place.

[Sarah_K_O_M]

They thought it made them prettier, amongst other things.

[AaronShadows]

The poor chinese women, having that kinda thing done to them!

[Miranda_]

Originally Posted by jenniferswe

I don't know why they thought this was a good idea in the first place.

Cuz Chinese men found small feet beautiful. Soon, it became impossible for any woman to find a husband if her feet were unbound; in fact, if a woman had unbound feet and didn't tell a prospective husband til they were married, he had every right to throw her out and marry someone else. At first it was just the rich who did it, then the poor people followed suit hoping for their daughters to make good marriages. Sadly, most of them didn't; and ended up having to work in the fields and around the house on their bound feet.

[AaronShadows]

That is so tragic! Bloody chinese dads, they have no regard for you as a person.