Cynic
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The Feet that Bore a Nation
It is a tradition, extending its origin deep into a thousand-year past. From the Tang Dynasty to the Qing dynasty, it emerged as a symbol of glorified status and exceeding beauty. Pornographic manuals like the famous Kama Sutra were inspired by its eroticism. Now, a common cause of disability in elderly Chinese women, foot binding is seen for what it really is a physical manifestation of female subjugation and inequality.
Throughout the history of China, women were considered inferior to men. Much of this was influenced by Confucius ideas. Women were expected to perform subservient or entertaining roles. Submission and chastity were highly valued. Like slaves, daughters were sold for a bride price, and forced into arranged marriages. Sometimes this ended in disaster for the bride, as she did not see her husband until the marriage ceremony.
Foot binding began in the upper classes, where the urge to debase women to mere sexual roles and decorative objects was satiated. A woman with bound feet was a walking vagina, used primarily for her sexual function like a stock of breeding cattle. She was put on display like a Christmas tree ornament. Her mincing gait and tiny feet signified her husbands high social status. Only a man rich and powerful could afford such a bride, where the slavish roles of the average wife were fulfilled by servants.
It was a horrific process, one that was initiated by a girls mother. Imagine: Almost all of a young girls toes being broken. Afterwards her feet are constricted with wet bandages until her toes are under the sole of the foot. Once dried, the bandages would further deform the arch, giving a concave appearance.
Binding was a continuous ritual. Feet would have to be washed to prevent infection and odor. Bandages were removed. Afterwards, new bandages were wrapped into place. Over time, a girls feet would remain small and develop into the ideal golden lotus a three to four inch foot. By having tiny but disfigured feet, a woman would become desirable by men and suitable for marriage. Unfortunately, her fate of immense pain, disability, and frailty, would also be sealed.
A woman with bound feet was rendered helpless and dependant. Her mangled feet limited her mobility. She relied on servants to carry her when she could no longer walk. It ensured a womans submission and the control of her sexuality, as this confined her primarily to household rooms. The pain for these women was immense. Often, it was like walking on glass. Infection was common. Sometimes Toenails became ingrown, causing necrosis of the foot. Gangrene led to death for an unfortunate few.
Thankfully, many anti-foot binders arose in the twentieth century. Within a single generation, foot binding was abolished. However, remnants of this forgotten tradition still remain. Millions of elderly women can be seen wobbling down streets of China with their golden lilies. Some women still insist that it is the epitome of beauty. Although rare, it is even practiced by a small few.
As the sun sets on old traditions, sexism and gender inequality still remain like a tenacious afterglow. Women are raped, female fetuses aborted, and girls are even abandoned. Yet, it is the feet of women that bore a nation. It is these feet that bore the back of hardworking women. And, it is these feet that bore the weight of nursing children. Without women, China would not be here today.
Works Cited
London Taylor & Francis Routledge, 2006.
Louisa Lim. Painful Memories For Chinas Footbinding Survivors. NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts.
19 March 2007 NPR : Painful Memories for China's Footbinding Survivors