Foot binding (缠足) was one of the most painful and enduring beauty practices in Chinese history — the tight wrapping of young girls’ feet to achieve the ideal “lotus foot” of 3-4 inches.
History and Origins
Beginning in the Southern Tang dynasty (10th century CE), foot binding became widespread during the Song Dynasty. The practice was officially banned in the early 20th century but continued in rural areas until the 1950s.
The Lotus Foot
The ideal was the “three-inch lotus” (三寸金莲) — a foot so small that women could only walk with difficulty, requiring the support of a man. This was considered erotic and fashionable.
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The practice affected hundreds of millions of women over nearly 1,000 years.
Explore more in our Chinese Culture Complete Guide.
