The Lotus Feet of China: A Deep Dive into the Tradition of Foot Binding
The practice of foot binding, known as "lotus feet" (liánzú) in China, stands as one of the most controversial and complex cultural practices in Chinese history. Spanning nearly a thousand years, foot binding became deeply embedded in the social, aesthetic, and gender structures of Chinese society. Though it was officially banned in the early 20th century, the legacy of lotus feet continues to influence discussions about beauty, tradition, and the human cost of cultural conformity. Origins of Foot Binding The origins of foot binding are often traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), but it became more widely practiced during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE). According to legend, the practice began when Emperor Li Yu of the Southern Tang Dynasty was enchanted by a concubine named Yao Niang who performed a dance with her feet tightly wrapped in silk, making her steps appear delicate and alluring. Her bound feet resembled the crescent shape of a lotus flower, and the emperor ...