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1000
First Started
The first recorded binding occurred in the Five Dynasties and Ten States period in the 10th century. According to the story, an emperor had a favorite concubine, a dancer. When she bound her feet into a hoof-like shape and danced on the lotus, the practice became very fashionable -
1200
More Popular
In the 12th century, foot binding had become much more widespread and by the early Qing Dynasty (in the mid-17th century), every girl who wished to marry had her feet bound -
The Downfall
In the 19th century, toward the end of the Qing Dynasty, Western countries colonized China. So many Western women, especially the wives of Christian missionaries, becam strong advocates against the foot binding, producing pamphlets and even opening shelters in support of afflicted women. So by the time the Qing Dynasty had fallen, the practice had become unfashionable. -
The End?
Mao Zedong took control of China in 1949, foot binding was gone except in a few remote, mountainous areas in the country. -
Today
A few elderly Chinese women who had the procedure performed on them still survive today, but they have lifelong pain and disabilities from the custom.