Chinese Foot Binding Summary

On her article The History and Significance of Chinese foot binding, Emmelyn Mah stated that the process of foot binding generally begins when a daughter reaches the age of five to six, it was believed that at this age, one's feet were matured, yet still pliable, and therefore, more easily bent for the binding, which was often done by the child's mother. Before the binding, the child's feet are soaked in a mixture of warm herbs and animal blood, which were said to soften the feet to facilitate easier binding. Next, her toe-nails are clipped back as far as possible to prevent ingrowths and possible infections. To prepare the child for the next, most gruesome and painful step, her feet are massaged. Then, ultimately, her four smallest toes are